THE  OUTLET 


BY  ANDY 
ADAMS 


A2ll 


THE   OUTLET.     Illustrated.     Crown  8vo,  $1.50. 

A  TEXAS    MATCHMAKER.       Illustrated.      Crown    8vo, 
$1.50. 

THE    LOG   OF   A   COWBOY.     Illustrated.     Crown  8vo, 
$1.50. 

HOUGHTON,  MIFFLIN  &  CO. 

BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK. 


THE    OUTLET 


THE   OUTLET 


BY 


ANDY  ADAMS 

AUTHOR  OF    '  THE   LOG   OF   A    COWBOY  '    AND 
'A   TEXAS    MATCHMAKER' 


ILLUSTRATED  BY  E.   BOYD    SMITH 


BOSTON   AND   NEW   YORK 

HOUGHTON,  MIFFLIN  AND  COMPANY 
fttoeitfibe  $re##,  Cambridge 
1905 


COPYRIGHT  1905  BY  ANDY  ADAMS 
ALL   RIGHTS   RESERVED 

Published  April  iqQS 


TO 

JOHN  R.  BLOCKER 

SAN  ANTONIO,  TEXAS 

r 


451807 


PREFACE 

AT  the  close  of  the  civil  war  the  need  for  a  market  for 
the  surplus  cattle  of  Texas  was  as  urgent  as  it  was 
general.  There  had  been  numerous  experiments  in 
seeking  an  outlet,  and  there  is  authority  for  the 
statement  that  in  1857  Texas  cattle  were  driven  to 
Illinois.  Eleven  years  later  forty  thousand  head 
were  sent  to  the  mouth  of  Red  River  in  Louisiana, 
shipped  by  boat  to  Cairo,  Illinois,  and  thence  inland 
by  rail.  Fever  resulted,  and  the  experiment  was 
never  repeated.  To  the  west  of  Texas  stretched  a 
forbidding  desert,  while  on  the  other  hand,  nearly 
every  drive  to  Louisiana  resulted  in  financial  dis 
aster  to  the  drover.  The  republic  of  Mexico,  on  the 
south,  afforded  no  relief,  as  it  was  likewise  overrun 
with  a  surplus  of  its  own  breeding.  Immediately 
before  and  just  after  the  war,  a  slight  trade  had 
sprung  up  in  cattle  between  eastern  points  on  Red 
River  and  Baxter  Springs,  in  the  southeast  corner 
of  Kansas.  The  route  was  perfectly  feasible,  being 
short  and  entirely  within  the  reservations  of  the 
Choctaws  and  Cherokees,  civilized  Indians.  This 
was  the  only  route  to  the  north ;  for  farther  to  the 
westward  was  the  home  of  the  buffalo  and  the  un- 
conquered,  nomadic  tribes.  A  writer  on  that  day, 


viii  PREFACE 

Mr.  Emerson  Hough,  an  acceptable  authority,  says : 
"  The  civil  war  stopped  almost  all  plans  to  market 
the  range  cattle,  and  the  close  of  that  war  found 
the  vast  grazing  lands  of  Texas  fairly  covered  with 
millions  of  cattle  which  had  no  actual  or  determinate 
value.  They  were  sorted  and  branded  and  herded 
after  a  fashion,  but  neither  they  nor  their  increase 
could  be  converted  into  anything  but  more  cattle. 
The  demand  for  a  market  became  imperative." 

This  was  the  situation  at  the  close  of  the  '50's 
and  meanwhile  there  had  been  no  cessation  in  try 
ing  to  find  an  outlet  for  the  constantly  increasing 
herds.  Civilization  was  sweeping  westward  by  leaps 
and  bounds,  and  during  the  latter  part  of  the  '60's 
and  early  '70's,  a  market  for  a  very  small  percent 
age  of  the  surplus  was  established  at  Abilene, 
Ellsworth,  and  Wichita,  being  confined  almost 
exclusively  to  the  state  of  Kansas.  But  this  outlet, 
slight  as  it  was,  developed  the  fact  that  the  trans 
planted  Texas  steer,  after  a  winter  in  the  north, 
took  on  flesh  like  a  native,  and  by  being  double- 
wintered  became  a  marketable  beef.  It  should  be 
understood  in  this  connection  that  Texas,  owing  to 
climatic  conditions,  did  not  mature  an  animal  into 
marketable  form,  ready  for  the  butcher's  block. 
Yet  it  was  an  exceptional  country  for  breeding,  the 
percentage  of  increase  in  good  years  reaching  the 
phenomenal  figures  of  ninety-five  calves  to  the  hun 
dred  cows.  At  this  time  all  eyes  were  turned  to  the 
new  Northwest,  which  was  then  looked  upon  as  the 


PREFACE  ix 

country  that  would  at  last  afford  the  proper  market. 
Railroads  were  pushing  into  the  domain  of  the 
buffalo  and  Indian ;  the  rush  of  emigration  was 
westward,  and  the  Texan  was  clamoring  for  an  out 
let  for  his  cattle.  It  was  written  in  the  stars  that 
the  Indian  and  buffalo  would  have  to  stand  aside. 

Philanthropists  may  deplore  the  destruction  of 
the  American  bison,  yet  it  was  inevitable.  Possibly 
it  is  not  commonly  known  that  the  general  govern 
ment  had  under  consideration  the  sending  of  its 
own  troops  to  destroy  the  buffalo.  Yet  it  is  a  fact, 
for  the  army  in  the  West  fully  realized  the  futility 
of  subjugating  the  Indians  while  they  could  draw 
subsistence  from  the  bison.  The  well-mounted 
aborigines  hung  on  the  flanks  of  the  great  buffalo 
herds,  migrating  with  them,  spurning  all  treaty 
obligations,  and  when  opportunity  offered  mur 
dering  the  advance  guard  of  civilization  with  the 
fiendish  atrocity  of  carnivorous  animals.  But  while 
the  government  hesitated,  the  hide-hunters  and  the 
railroads  solved  the  problem,  and  the  Indian's  base 
of  supplies  was  destroyed. 

Then  began  the  great  exodus  of  Texas  cattle. 
The  red  men  were  easily  confined  on  reserva 
tions,  and  the  vacated  country  in  the  Northwest 
became  cattle  ranges.  The  government  was  in  the 
market  for  large  quantities  of  beef  with  which  to 
feed  its  army  and  Indian  wards.  The  maximum 
year's  drive  was  reached  in  1884,  when  nearly 
eight  hundred  thousand  cattle,  in  something  over 


x  PREFACE 

three  hundred  herds,  bound  for  the  new  Northwest, 
crossed  Ked  River,  the  northern  boundary  of  Texas. 
Some  slight  idea  of  this  exodus  can  be  gained  when 
one  considers  that  in  the  above  year  about  four 
thousand  men  and  over  thirty  thousand  horses  were 
required  on  the  trail,  while  the  value  of  the  drive 
ran  into  millions.  The  history  of  the  world  can 
show  no  pastoral  movement  in  comparison.  The 
Northwest  had  furnished  the  market  —  the  outlet 
for  Texas. 


CONTENTS 

I.  OPENING  THE  CAMPAIGN        ....      1 
II.  ORGANIZING  THE  FORCES     ....        13 

III.  RECEIVING  AT  Los  LOBOS      .        .        .        .31 

IV.  MINGLING  WITH  THE  EXODUS     ...        50 
V.  RED  RIVER  STATION 68 

VI.  CAMP  SUPPLY 81 

VII.  WHEN  GREEK  MEETS  GREEK          .        .        .98 

VIII.  EN  PASSANT 114 

IX.  AT  SHERIFF'S  CREEK 131 

X.  A  FAMILY  REUNION 145 

XI.  ALL  IN  THE  DAY'S  WORK       .        .        .        .160 
XII.  MARSHALING  THE  FORCES  ....      172 

XIII.  JUSTICE  IN  THE  SADDLE          ....  185 

XIV.  TURNING  THE  TABLES          ....      200 

XV.    TOLLESTON    BUTTS   IN 213 

XVI.  CROSSING  THE  NIOBRARA    .        .        .        .228 

XVII.  WATER-BOUND 244 

XVIII.  THE  LITTLE  MISSOURI         ....      261 

XIX.  IN  QUARANTINE 275 

XX.  ON  THE  JUST  AND  THE  UNJUST         .        .      292 

XXI.  FORT  BUFORD 308 

XXII.  A  SOLDIER'S  HONOR 325 

XXIII.  KANGAROOED 341 

XXIV.  THE  WINTER  OF  OUR  DISCONTENT  .        .        358 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

A  SAND  AND  DUST  STORM  STRUCK  US  (p.  66) 

Frontispiece 
BEFORE  us  ONE  HUNDRED  THOUSAND  CATTLE 

GRAZED 102 

THE  HIRELING  DEPUTIES  PLUNGED  INTO  THE 

RIVER 224 

OUTRIDING  THE  FLOOD  BY  A  CLOSE  MARGIN    .    256 
MY  CATTLE  ELOQUENTLY  SPOKE   THEIR  OWN 

PRAISES 320 

THE   FIRST   BLIZZARD    STRUCK   US  EARLY  IN 

DECEMBER      .        .  366 


THE  OUTLET 


CHAPTER  I 
OPENING  THE  CAMPAIGN 

"  WELL,  gentlemen,  if  that  is  the  best  rate  you 
can  offer  us,  then  we  '11  drive  the  cattle.  My  boys 
have  all  been  over  the  trail  before,  and  your  figures 
are  no  inducement  to  ship  as  far  as  Eed  River. 
We  are  fully  aware  of  the  nature  of  the  country, 
but  we  can  deliver  the  herds  at  their  destination 
for  less  than  you  ask  us  for  shipping  them  one 
third  of  the  distance.  No  ;  we  '11  drive  all  the  way." 
The  speaker  was  Don  Lovell,  a  trail  drover,  and 
the  parties  addressed  were  the  general  freight 
agents  of  three  railroad  lines  operating  in  Texas. 
A  conference  had  been  agreed  upon,  and  we  had 
come  in  by  train  from  the  ranch  in  Medina  County 
to  attend  the  meeting  in  San  Antonio.  The  rail 
road  representatives  were  shrewd,  affable  gentle 
men,  and  presented  an  array  of  facts  hard  to  over 
come.  They  were  well  aware  of  the  obstacles  to 
be  encountered  in  the  arid,  western  portion  of  the 
state,  and  magnified  every  possibility  into  a  stern 
reality.  Unrolling  a  large  state  map  upon  the 


2*'  "Tfr£   OUTLET 

table,  around  which  the  principals  were  sitting, 
the  agent  of  the  Denver  and  Fort  Worth  traced 
the  trail  from  Buffalo  Gap  to  Doan's  Crossing  on 
Red  River.  Producing  what  was  declared  to  be 
a  report  of  the  immigration  agent  of  his  line,  he 
showed  by  statistics  that  whole  counties  through 
which  the  old  trail  ran  had  recently  been  settled 
up  by  Scandinavian  immigrants.  The  represent 
ative  of  the  Missouri,  Kansas,  and  Texas,  when 
opportunity  offered,  enumerated  every  disaster 
which  had  happened  to  any  herd  to  the  westward 
of  his  line  in  the  past  five  years.  The  factor  of 
the  International  was  equally  well  posted. 

"  Now,  Mr.  Lovell,"  said  he,  dumping  a  bundle 
of  papers  on  the  table,  "  if  you  will  kindly  glance 
over  these  documents,  I  think  I  can  convince  you 
that  it  is  only  a  question  of  a  few  years  until  all 
trail  cattle  will  ship  the  greater  portion  of  the  way. 
Here  is  a  tabulated  statement  up  to  and  including 
the  year  '83.  From  twenty  counties  tributary  to 
our  line  and  south  of  this  city,  you  will  notice  that 
in  '80  we  practically  handled  no  cattle  intended 
for  the  trail.  Passing  on  to  the  next  season's  drive, 
you  see  we  secured  a  little  over  ten  per  cent,  of 
the  cattle  and  nearly  thirty  per  cent,  of  the  horse 
stock.  Last  year,  or  for  '83,  drovers  took  advan 
tage  of  our  low  rates  for  Red  River  points,  and 
the  percentage  ran  up  to  twenty-four  and  a  frac 
tion,  or  practically  speaking,  one  fourth  of  the 
total  drive.  We  are  able  to  offer  the  same  low 


OPENING  THE   CAMPAIGN  3 

rates  this  year,  and  all  arrangements  are  completed 
with  our  connecting  lines  to  give  live-stock  trains 
carrying  trail  cattle  a  passenger  schedule.  Now, 
if  you  care  to  look  over  this  correspondence,  you 
will  notice  that  we  have  inquiries  which  will  tax 
our  carrying  capacity  to  its  utmost.  The  '  Laurel 
Leaf  '  and  '  Running  W '  people  alone  have  asked 
for  a  rate  on  thirty  thousand  head." 

But  the  drover  brushed  the  correspondence  aside, 
and  asked  for  the  possible  feed  bills.  A  blanket 
rate  had  been  given  on  the  entire  shipment  from 
that  city,  or  any  point  south,  to  Wichita  Falls,  with 
one  rest  and  feed.  Making  a  memorandum  of  the 
items,  Lovell  arose  from  the  table  and  came  over 
to  where  Jim  Flood  and  I  were  searching  for  Fort 
Buford  on  a  large  wall  map.  We  were  both  labor 
ing  under  the  impression  that  it  was  in  Montana, 
but  after  our  employer  pointed  it  out  to  us  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Yellowstone  in  Dakota,  all  three  of 
us  adjourned  to  an  ante-room.  Flood  was  the  best 
posted  trail  foreman  in  Don  Lovell's  employ,  and 
taking  seats  at  the  table,  we  soon  reduced  the  pro 
posed  shipping  expense  to  a  pro-rata  sum  per  head. 
The  result  was  not  to  be  considered,  and  on  return 
ing  to  the  main  office,  our  employer,  as  already 
expressed,  declined  the  proffered  rate. 

Then  the  freight  men  doubled  on  him,  asking  if 
he  had  taken  into  consideration  a  saving  in  wages. 
In  a  two  days'  run  they  would  lay  down  the  c'attle 
farther  on  their  way  than  we  could  possibly  drive 


4  THE   OUTLET 

in  six  weeks,  even  if  the  country  was  open,  not  to 
say  anything  about  the  wear  and  tear  of  horseflesh. 
But  Don  Lovell  had  not  been  a  trail  drover  for 
nearly  fifteen  years  without  understanding  his  busi 
ness  as  well  as  the  freight  agents  did  theirs.  After 
going  over  a  large  lot  of  other  important  data,  our 
employer  arose  to  take  his  leave,  when  the  agent  of 
the  local  line  expressed  a  hope  that  Mr.  Lovell 
would  reconsider  his  decision  before  spring  opened, 
and  send  his  drive  a  portion  of  the  way  by  rail. 

"  Well,  I  'm  glad  I  met  you,  gentlemen,"  said  the 
cowman  at  parting,  "  but  this  is  purely  a  business 
proposition,  and  you  and  I  look  at  it  from  different 
viewpoints.  At  the  rate  you  offer,  it  will  cost  me 
one  dollar  and  seventy-five  cents  to  lay  a  steer  down 
on  Red  River.  Hold  on  ;  mine  are  all  large  beeves ; 
and  I  must  mount  my  men  just  the  same  as  if  they 
trailed  all  the  way.  Saddle  horses  were  worth  no 
thing  in  the  North  last  year,  and  I  kept  mine  and 
bought  enough  others  around  Dodge  to  make  up  a 
thousand  head,  and  sent  them  back  over  the  trail  to 
my  ranch.  Now,  it  will  take  six  carloads  of  horses 
for  each  herd,  and  I  propose  to  charge  the  freight  on 
them  against  the  cattle.  I  may  have  to  winter  my 
remudas  in  the  North,  or  drive  them  home  again,  and 
if  I  put  two  dollars  a  head  freight  in  them,  they 
won't  bring  a  cent  more  on  that  account.  With 
the  cattle  it 's  different ;  they  are  all  under  con 
tract,  but  the  horses  must  be  charged  as  general 
expense,  and  if  nothing  is  realized  out  of  them,  the 


OPENING  THE   CAMPAIGN  5 

herd  must  pay  the  fiddler.  My  largest  delivery  is 
a  sub-contract  for  Fort  Buford,  calling  for  five 
million  pounds  of  beef  on  foot.  It  will  take  three 
herds  or  ten  thousand  cattle  to  fill  it.  I  was  anxious 
to  give  those  Buford  beeves  an  early  start,  and  that 
was  the  main  reason  in  my  consenting  to  this  con 
ference.  I  have  three  other  earlier  deliveries  at 
Indian  agencies,  but  they  are  not  as  far  north  by 
several  hundred  miles,  and  it 's  immaterial  whether 
we  ship  or  not.  But  the  Buford  contract  sets  the 
day  of  delivery  for  September  15,  and  it 's  going 
to  take  close  figuring  to  make  a  cent.  The  main 
contractors  are  all  right,  but  I  'm  the  one  that 's 
got  to  scratch  his  head  and  figure  close  and  see 
that  there  's  no  leakages.  Your  freight  bill  alone 
would  be  a  nice  profit.  It  may  cost  us  a  little  for 
water  getting  out  of  Texas,  but  with  the  present 
outlet  for  cattle,  it 's  bad  policy  to  harass  the 
herds.  Water  is  about  the  best  crop  some  of  those 
settlers  along  the  trail  have  to  sell,  and  they  ought 
to  treat  us  right." 

After  the  conference  was  over,  we  scattered  about 
the  city,  on  various  errands,  expecting  to  take  the 
night  train  home.  It  was  then  the  middle  of  Feb 
ruary,  and  five  of  the  six  herds  were  already  pur 
chased.  In  spite  of  the  large  numbers  of  cattle 
which  the  trail  had  absorbed  in  previous  years, 
there  was  still  an  abundance  of  all  ages,  anxious 
for  a  market.  The  demand  in  the  North  had  con- 
stantly  been  for  young  cattle,  leaving  the  matured 


6  THE   OUTLET 

steers  at  home.  Had  Mr.  Lo veil's  contracts  that 
year  called  for  forty  thousand  five  and  six  year  old 
beeves,  instead  of  twenty,  there  would  have  been 
the  same  inexhaustible  supply  from  which  to  pick 
and  choose.  But  with  only  one  herd  yet  to  secure, 
and  ample  offerings  on  every  hand,  there  was  no 
necessity  for  a  hurry.  Many  of  the  herds  driven 
the  year  before  found  no  sale,  and  were  compelled 
to  winter  in  the  North  at  the  drover's  risk.  In  the 
early  spring  of  '84,  there  was  a  decided  lull  over 
the  enthusiasm  of  the  two  previous  years,  during 
the  former  of  which  the  trail  afforded  an  outlet  for 
nearly  seven  hundred  thousand  Texas  cattle. 

In  regard  to  horses  we  were  well  outfitted.  Dur 
ing  the  summer  of  '83,  Don  Lovell  had  driven  four 
herds,  two  on  Indian  contract  and  two  of  younger 
cattle  on  speculation.  Of  the  latter,  one  was  sold 
in  Dodge  for  delivery  on  the  Purgatory  River  in 
southern  Colorado,  while  the  other  went  to  Oga- 
lalla,  and  was  disposed  of  and  received  at  that 
point.  In  both  cases  there  was  no  chance  to  sell 
the  saddle  horses,  and  they  returned  to  Dodge  and 
were  sent  to  pasture  down  the  river  in  the  settle 
ments.  My  brother,  Bob  Quirk,  had  driven  one 
of  the  other  herds  to  an  agency  in  the  Indian  Ter 
ritory.  After  making  the  delivery,  early  in  August, 
on  his  employer's  orders,  he  had  brought  his  remuda 
and  outfit  into  Dodge,  the  horses  being  also  sent  to 
pasture  and  the  men  home  to  Texas.  I  had  made 
the  trip  that  year  to  the  Pine  Ridge  Agency  in 


OPENING   THE   CAMPAIGN  7 

Dakota  with  thirty-five  hundred  beeves,  under  Flood 
as  foreman.  Don  Lovell  was  present  at  the  delivery, 
and  as  there  was  no  hope  of  effecting  a  sale  of  the 
saddle  stock  among  the  Indians,  after  delivering 
the  outfit  at  the  nearest  railroad,  I  was  given  two 
men  and  the  cook,  and  started  back  over  the  trail 
for  Dodge  with  the  remuda.  The  wagon  was  a 
drawback,  but  on  reaching  Ogalalla,  an  emigrant 
outfit  offered  me  a  fair  price  for  the  mules  and 
commissary,  and  I  sold  them.  Lashing  our  rations 
and  blankets  on  two  pack-horses,  we  turned  our 
backs  on  the  Platte  and  crossed  the  Arkansaw  at 
Dodge  on  the  seventh  day. 

But  instead  of  the  remainder  of  the  trip  home 
by  rail,  as  we  fondly  expected,  the  programme  had 
changed.  Lovell  and  Flood  had  arrived  in  Dodge 
some  ten  days  before,  and  looking  over  the  situ 
ation,  had  come  to  the  conclusion  it  was  useless  even 
to  offer  our  remudas.  As  remnants  of  that  year's 
drive,  there  had  concentrated  in  and  around  that 
market  something  like  ten  thousand  saddle  horses. 
Many  of  these  were  from  central  and  north  Texas, 
larger  and  better  stock  than  ours,  even  though  care 
had  been  used  in  selecting  the  latter.  So  on  their 
arrival,  instead  of  making  any  effort  to  dispose  of 
our  own,  the  drover  and  his  foreman  had  sized  up 
the  congested  condition  of  the  market,  and  turned 
buyers.  They  had  bought  two  whole  remudas,  and 
picked  over  five  or  six  others  until  their  purchases 
amounted  to  over  five  hundred  head.  Consequently 


8  THE   OUTLET 

on  our  reaching  Dodge  with  the  Pine  Ridge  horses, 
I  was  informed  that  they  were  going  to  send  all  the 
saddle  stock  back  over  the  trail  to  the  ranch  and 
that  I  was  to  have  charge  of  the  herd.  Had  the  trip 
been  in  the  spring  and  the  other  way,  I  certainly 
would  have  felt  elated  over  my  promotion.  Our  beef 
herd  that  year  had  been  put  up  in  Dimmit  County, 
and  from  there  to  the  Pine  Ridge  Agency  and  back 
to  the  ranch  would  certainly  be  a  summer's  work 
to  gratify  an  ordinary  ambition. 

In  the  mean  time  and  before  our  arrival,  Flood 
had  brought  up  all  the  stock  and  wagons  from  the 
settlement,  and  established  a  camp  on  Mulberry 
Creek,  south  of  Dodge  on  the  trail.  He  had  picked 
up  two  Texans  who  were  anxious  to  see  their  homes 
once  more,  and  the  next  day  at  noon  we  started. 
The  herd  numbered  a  thousand  and  sixty  head, 
twenty  of  which  were  work-mules.  The  commissary 
which  was  to  accompany  us  was  laden  principally 
with  harness  ;  and  waving  Flood  farewell,  we  turned 
homeward,  leaving  behind  unsold  of  that  year's 
drive  only  two  wagons.  Lovell  had  instructed  us 
never  to  ride  the  same  horse  twice,  and  wherever 
good  grass  and  water  were  encountered,  to  kill  as 
much  time  as  possible.  My  employer  was  enthusi 
astic  over  the  idea,  and  well  he  might  be,  for  a  finer 
lot  of  saddle  horses  were  not  in  the  possession  of 
any  trail  drover,  while  those  purchased  in  Dodge 
could  have  been  resold  in  San  Antonio  at  a  nice 
profit.  Many  of  the  horses  had  run  idle  several 


OPENING  THE   CAMPAIGN  9 

months  and  were  in  fine  condition.  With  the  allow 
ance  of  four  men  and  a  cook,  a  draft-book  for  per 
sonal  expenses,  and  over  a  thousand  horses  from 
which  to  choose  a  mount,  I  felt  like  an  embryo  fore 
man,  even  if  it  was  a  back  track  and  the  drag  end 
of  the  season.  Turning  everything  scot  free  at 
night,  we  reached  the  ranch  in  old  Medina  in  six 
weeks,  actually  traveling  about  forty  days. 

But  now,  with  the  opening  of  the  trail  season 
almost  at  hand,  the  trials  of  past  years  were  for 
gotten  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  present.  I  had  a 
distinct  recollection  of  numerous  resolves  made  on 
rainy  nights,  while  holding  a  drifting  herd,  that  this 
was  positively  my  last  trip  over  the  trail.  Now, 
however,  after  a  winter  of  idleness,  my  worst  fear 
was  that  I  might  be  left  at  home  with  the  ranch 
work,  and  thus  miss  the  season's  outing  entirely. 
There  were  new  charms  in  the  Buford  contract 
which  thrilled  me,  —  its  numerical  requirements, 
the  sight  of  the  Yellowstone  again,  and  more,  to 
be  present  at  the  largest  delivery  of  the  year  to  the 
government.  Rather  than  have  missed  the  trip,  I 
would  have  gladly  cooked  or  wrangled  the  horses 
for  one  of  the  outfits. 

On  separating,  Lovell  urged  his  foreman  and 
myself  to  be  at  the  depot  in  good  time  to  catch  our 
train.  That  our  employer's  contracts  for  the  year 
would  require  financial  assistance,  both  of  us  were 
fully  aware.  The  credit  of  Don  Lovell  was  gilt 
edge,  not  that  he  was  a  wealthy  cowman,  but  the 


10  THE   OUTLET 

banks  and  moneyed  men  of  the  city  recognized  his 
business  ability.  Nearly  every  year  since  he  began 
driving  cattle,  assistance  had  been  extended  him, 
but  the  promptness  with  which  he  had  always  met 
his  obligations  made  his  patronage  desirable. 

Flood  and  I  had  a  number  of  errands  to  look 
after  for  the  boys  on  the  ranch  and  ourselves, 
and,  like  countrymen,  reached  the  depot  fully  an 
hour  before  the  train  was  due.  Not  possessed  of 
enough  gumption  to  inquire  if  the  westbound  was 
on  time,  we  loitered  around  until  some  other  pas 
sengers  informed  us  that  it  was  late.  Just  as  we 
were  on  the  point  of  starting  back  to  town,  Lovell 
drove  up  in  a  hack,  and  the  three  of  us  paced  the 
platform  until  the  arrival  of  the  belated  train. 

"  Well,  boys,  everything  looks  serene,"  said  our 
employer,  when  we  had  walked  to  the  farther  end 
of  the  depot.  "  I  can  get  all  the  money  I  need, 
even  if  we  shipped  part  way,  which  I  don't  intend 
to  do.  The  banks  admit  that  cattle  are  a  slow  sale 
and  a  shade  lower  this  spring,  and  are  not  as  free 
with  their  money  as  a  year  or  two  ago.  My  bankers 
detained  me  over  an  hour  until  they  could  send  for 
a  customer  who  claimed  to  have  a  very  fine  lot  of 
beeves  for  sale  in  Lasalle  County.  That  he  is  anx 
ious  to  sell  there  is  no  doubt,  for  he  offered  them  to 
me  on  my  own  time,  and  agrees  to  meet  any  one's 
prices.  I  half  promised  to  come  back  next  week 
and  go  down  with  him  to  Lasalle  and  look  his 
cattle  over.  If  they  show  up  right,  there  will  be 


OPENING   THE   CAMPAIGN  11 

no  trouble  in  buying  them,  which  will  complete 
our  purchases.  It  is  my  intention,  Jim,  to  give  you 
the  herd  to  fill  our  earliest  delivery.  Our  next 
two  occur  so  near  together  that  you  will  have  to 
represent  me  at  one  of  them.  The  Buford  cattle, 
being  the  last  by  a  few  weeks,  we  will  both  go 
up  there  and  see  it  over  with.  There  are  about 
half  a  dozen  trail  foremen  anxious  for  the  two 
other  herds,  and  while  they  are  good  men,  I  don't 
know  of  any  good  reason  for  not  pushing  my  own 
boys  forward.  I  have  already  decided  to  give  Dave 
Sponsilier  and  Quince  Forrest  two  of  the  Buford 
herds,  and  I  reckon,  Tom,  the  last  one  will  fall  to 
you." 

The  darkness  in  which  we  were  standing  shielded 
my  egotism  from  public  view.  But  I  am  conscious 
that  I  threw  out  my  brisket  several  inches  and 
stood  straight  on  my  bow-legs  as  I  thanked  old 
man  Don  for  the  foremanship  of  his  sixth  herd. 
Flood  was  amused,  and  told  me  afterward  that  my 
language  was  extravagant.  There  is  an  old  super 
stition  that  if  a  man  ever  drinks  out  of  the  Eio 
Grande,  it  matters  not  where  he  roams  afterward, 
he  is  certain  to  come  back  to  her  banks  again.  I 
had  watered  my  horse  in  the  Yellowstone  in  '82, 
and  ever  afterward  felt  an  itching  to  see  her  again. 
And  here  the  opportunity  opened  before  me,  not 
as  a  common  cow-hand,  but  as  a  trail  boss  and  one 
of  three  in  filling  a  five  million  pound  government 
beef  contract !  But  it  was  dark  and  I  was  afoot, 


12  THE   OUTLET 

and  if  I  was  a  trifle  "  chesty,"  there  had  suddenly 
come  new  colorings  to  my  narrow  world. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  train,  several  other  west 
ward-bound  cowmen  boarded  it.  We  all  took  seats 
in  the  smoker,  it  being  but  a  two  hours'  run  to  our 
destination.  Flood  and  I  were  sitting  well  forward 
in  the  car,  the  former  almost  as  elated  over  my 
good  fortune  as  myself.  "  Well,  won't  old  Quince 
be  all  puffed  up,"  said  Jim  to  me,  "  when  the  old 
man  tells  him  he 's  to  have  a  herd.  Now,  I  've 
never  said  a  word  in  favor  of  either  one  of  you.  Of 
course,  when  Mr.  Lovell  asked  me  if  I  knew  certain 
trail  foremen  who  were  liable  to  be  idle  this  year,  I 
intimated  that  he  had  plenty  of  material  in  his  em 
ploy  to  make  a  few  of  his  own.  The  old  man  may 
be  a  trifle  slow  on  reaching  a  decision,  but  once  he 
makes  up  his  mind,  he  's  there  till  the  cows  come 
home.  Now,  all  you  and  Quince  need  to  do  is  to 
make  good,  for  you  could  n't  ask  for  a  better  man 
behind  you.  In  making  up  your  outfit,  you  want 
to  know  every  man  you  hire,  and  give  a  prefer 
ence  to  gray  hairs,  for  they  're  not  so  liable  to  ad 
mire  their  shadow  in  sunny  or  get  homesick  in 
falling  weather.  Tom,  where  you  made  a  ten-strike 
with  the  old  man  was  in  accepting  that  horse  herd 
at  Dodge  last  fall.  Had  you  made  a  whine  or  whim 
per  then,  the  chances  are  you  would  n't  be  bossing 
a  herd  this  year.  Lovell  is  a  cowman  who  likes  to 
see  a  fellow  take  his  medicine  with  a  smile." 


CHAPTER  II 
ORGANIZING  THE  FORCES 

DON  LOVELL  and  Jim  Flood  returned  from  La- 
salle  County  on  the  last  day  of  February.  They 
had  spent  a  week  along  the  Upper  Nueces,  and 
before  returning  to  the  ranch  closed  a  trade  on 
thirty-four  hundred  five  and  six  year  old  beeves. 
According  to  their  report,  the  cattle  along  the 
river  had  wintered  in  fine  condition,  and  the  grass 
had  already  started  in  the  valley.  This  last  pur 
chase  concluded  the  buying  for  trail  purposes,  and 
all  absent  foremen  were  notified  to  be  on  hand  at 
the  ranch  on  March  10,  for  the  beginning  of  active 
operations.  Only  some  ten  of  us  had  wintered  at 
headquarters  in  Medina  County,  and  as  about 
ninety  men  would  be  required  for  the  season's  work, 
they  would  have  to  be  secured  elsewhere.  All  the 
old  foremen  expected  to  use  the  greater  portion  of 
the  men  who  were  in  their  employ  the  year  before, 
and  could  summon  them  on  a  few  days'  notice.  But 
Forrest  and  myself  were  compelled  to  hire  entirely 
new  outfits,  and  it  was  high  time  we  were  looking 
up  our  help. 

One  of  Flood's  regular  outfit  had  married  during 
the  winter,  and  with  Forrest's  and  my  promotion, 


14  THE   OUTLET 

he  had  only  to  secure  three  new  men.  He  had 
dozens  of  applications  from  good  cow-hands,  and 
after  selecting  for  himself  offered  the  others  to 
Quince  and  me.  But  my  brother  Bob  arrived  at 
the  ranch,  from  our  home  in  Karnes  County,  two 
days  later,  having  also  a  surplus  of  men  at  his 
command.  Although  he  did  not  show  any  enthu 
siasm  over  my  promotion,  he  offered  to  help  me  get 
up  a  good  outfit  of  boys.  I  had  about  half  a  dozen 
good  fellows  in  view,  and  on  Bob's  approval  of 
them,  he  selected  from  his  overplus  six  more  as 
first  choice  and  four  as  second.  It  would  take  me 
a  week  of  constant  riding  to  see  all  these  men,  and 
as  Flood  and  Forrest  had  made  up  an  outfit  for  the 
latter  from  the  former's  available  list,  Quince  and 
I  saddled  up  and  rode  away  to  hire  outfits.  Forrest 
was  well  acquainted  in  Wilson,  where  Lovell  had 
put  up  several  trail  herds,  and  as  it  joined  my  home 
county,  we  bore  each  other  company  the  first  day. 
A  long  ride  brought  us  to  the  Atascosa,  where  we 
stayed  all  night.  The  next  morning  we  separated, 
Quince  bearing  due  east  for  Floresvilie,  while  I 
continued  southeast  towards  my  home  near  Cibollo 
Ford  on  the  San  Antonio  River.  It  had  been  over 
a  year  since  I  had  seen  the  family,  and  on  reach 
ing  the  ranch,  my  father  gruffly  noticed  me,  but 
my  mother  and  sisters  received  me  with  open  arms. 
I  was  a  mature  man  of  twenty-eight  at  the  time, 
mustached,  and  stood  six  feet  to  a  plumb-line. 
The  family  were  cognizant  of  my  checkered  past, 


ORGANIZING  THE   FORCES  15 

and  although  never  mentioning  it,  it  seemed  as  if 
my  misfortunes  had  elevated  me  in  the  estimation 
of  my  sisters,  while  to  my  mother  I  had  become 
doubly  dear. 

During  the  time  spent  in  that  vicinity,  I  managed 
to  reach  home  at  night  as  often  as  possible.  Con 
stantly  using  fresh  horses,  I  covered  a  wide  circle 
of  country,  making  one  ride  down  the  river  into 
Goliad  County  of  over  fifty  miles,  returning  the 
next  day.  Within  a  week  I  had  made  up  my  outfit, 
including  the  horse-wrangler  and  cook.  Some  of  the 
men  were  ten  years  my  senior,  while  only  a  few  were 
younger,  but  I  knew  that  these  latter  had  made 
the  trip  before  and  were  as  reliable  as  their  elders. 
The  wages  promised  that  year  were  fifty  dollars 
a  month,  the  men  to  furnish  only  their  own  saddles 
and  blankets,  and  at  that  figure  I  picked  two  pas 
toral  counties,  every  man  bred  to  the  occupation. 
The  trip  promised  six  months'  work  with  return 
passage,  and  I  urged  every  one  employed  to  make 
his  appearance  at  headquarters,  in  Medina,  on  or 
before  the  15th  of  the  month.  There  was  no  rail 
road  communication  through  Karnes  and  Goliad 
counties  at  that  time,  and  all  the  boys  were  assured 
that  their  private  horses  would  have  good  pasturage 
at  the  home  ranch  while  they  were  away,  and  I 
advised  them  all  to  come  on  horseback.  By  this 
method  they  would  have  a  fresh  horse  awaiting 
them  on  their  return  from  the  North  with  which  to 
continue  their  homeward  journey.  All  the  men 


16  THE   OUTLET 

engaged  were  unmarried,  and  taken  as  a  whole,  I 
flattered  myself  on  having  secured  a  crack  outfit. 

I  was  in  a  hurry  to  get  back  to  the  ranch.  There 
had  been  nothing  said  about  the  remudas  before 
leaving,  and  while  we  had  an  abundance  of  horses, 
no  one  knew  them  better  than  I  did.  For  that 
reason  I  wanted  to  be  present  when  their  allotment 
was  made,  for  I  knew  that  every  foreman  would 
try  to  get  the  best  mounts,  and  I  did  not  propose 
to  stand  behind  the  door  and  take  the  culls.  Many 
of  the  horses  had  not  had  a  saddle  on  them  in  eight 
months,  while  all  of  them  had  run  idle  during  the 
winter  in  a  large  mesquite  pasture  and  were  in  fine 
condition  with  the  opening  of  spring.  So  bidding 
my  folks  farewell,  I  saddled  at  noon  and  took  a 
cross-country  course  for  the  ranch,  covering  the 
hundred  and  odd  miles  in  a  day  and  a  half.  Reach 
ing  headquarters  late  at  night,  I  found  that  active 
preparations  had  been  going  on  during  my  absence. 
There  were  new  wagons  to  rig,  harness  to  oil,  and 
a  carpenter  was  then  at  work  building  chuck-boxes 
for  each  of  the  six  commissaries.  A  wholesale  house 
in  the  city  had  shipped  out  a  stock  of  staple  sup 
plies,  almost  large  enough  to  start  a  store.  There 
were  whole  coils  of  new  rope  of  various  sizes,  from 
lariats  to  corral  cables,  and  a  sufficient  amount 
of  the  largest  size  to  make  a  stack  of  hobbles  as 
large  as  a  haycock.  Four  new  branding-irons  to 
the  wagon,  the  regulation  "  Circle  Dot,"  completed 
the  main  essentials. 


ORGANIZING  THE   FORCES  17 

All  the  foremen  had  reported  at  the  ranch,  with 
the  exception  of  Forrest,  who  came  in  the  next 
evening  with  three  men.  The  division  of  the  horses 
had  not  even  come  up  for  discussion,  but  several 
of  the  boys  about  headquarters  who  were  friendly 
to  my  interests  posted  me  that  the  older  foremen 
were  going  to  claim  first  choice.  Archie  Tolleston, 
next  to  Jim  Flood  in  seniority  in  Lovell's  employ, 
had  spent  every  day  riding  among  the  horses,  and 
had  even  boasted  that  he  expected  to  claim  fifteen 
of  the  best  for  his  own  saddle.  Flood  was  not 
so  particular,  as  his  destination  was  in  southern 
Dakota,  but  my  brother  Bob  was  again  ticketed  for 
the  Crow  Agency  in  Montana,  and  would  naturally 
expect  a  good  remuda.  Tolleston  was  going  to 
western  Wyoming,  while  the  Fort  Buford  cattle 
were  a  two-weeks'  later  delivery  and  fully  five  hun 
dred  miles  farther  travel.  On  my  return  Lovell 
was  in  the  city,  but  I  felt  positive  that  if  he  took 
a  hand  in  the  division,  Tolleston  would  only  run 
on  the  rope  once. 

A  few  days  before  the  appointed  time,  the  men 
began  thronging  into  headquarters.  Down  to  the 
minutest  detail  about  the  wagons  and  mule  teams, 
everything  was  shipshape.  The  commissary  de 
partment  was  stocked  for  a  month,  and  everything 
was  ready  to  harness  in  and  move.  Lovell's  head 
quarters  was  a  stag  ranch,  and  as  fast  as  the  en 
gaged  cooks  reported,  they  were  assigned  to  wagons, 
and  kept  open  house  in  relieving  the  home  cocinero. 


18  THE   OUTLET 

In  the  absence  of  our  employer,  Flood  was  virtually 
at  the  head  of  affairs,  and  artfully  postponed  the 
division  of  horses  until  the  last  moment.  My  outfit 
had  all  corne  in  in  good  time,  and  we  were  simply 
resting  on  our  oars  until  the  return  of  old  man 
Don  from  San  Antonio.  The  men  were  jubilant 
and  light-hearted  as  a  lot  of  school-boys,  and  with 
the  exception  of  a  feeling  of  jealousy  among  the 
foremen  over  the  remudas,  we  were  a  gay  crowd, 
turning  night  into  day.  But  on  the  return  of  our 
employer,  all  frivolity  ceased,  and  the  ranch  stood 
at  attention.  The  only  unfinished  work  was  the 
division  of  the  horses,  and  but  a  single  day  re 
mained  before  the  agreed  time  for  starting.  Jim 
Flood  had  met  his  employer  at  the  station  the  night 
before,  and  while  returning  to  the  ranch,  the  two 
discussed  the  apportionment  of  the  saddle  stock. 
The  next  morning  all  the  foremen  were  called  to 
gether,  when  the  drover  said  to  his  trail  bosses : 

"  Boys,  I  suppose  you  are  all  anxious  to  get 
a  good  remuda  for  this  summer's  trip.  Well,  I  've 
got  them  for  you.  The  only  question  is,  how  can 
we  distribute  them  equitably  so  that  all  interests 
will  be  protected.  One  herd  may  not  have  near  the 
distance  to  travel  that  the  others  have.  It  would 
look  unjust  to  give  it  the  best  horses,  and  yet  it 
may  have  the  most  trouble.  Our  remudas  last  year 
were  all  picked  animals.  They  had  an  easy  year's 
work.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  head,  we  have 
the  same  mounts  and  in  much  better  condition  than 


ORGANIZING   THE   FORCES  19 

last  year.  This  is  about  my  idea  of  equalizing 
things.  You  four  old  foremen  will  use  your  remu- 
das  of  last  year.  Then  each  of  you  six  bosses  select 
twenty-five  head  each  of  the  Dodge  horses,  —  turn 
and  turn  about.  Add  those  to  your  old  remudas, 
and  cull  back  your  surplus,  allowing  ten  to  the 
man,  twelve  to  the  foreman,  and  five  extra  to  each 
herd  in  case  of  cripples  or  of  galled  backs.  By  this 
method,  each  herd  will  have  two  dozen  prime  sad 
dlers,  the  pick  of  a  thousand  picked  ones,  and  fit 
for  any  man  who  was  ever  in  my  employ.  I  'm 
breaking  in  two  new  foremen  this  year,  and  they 
shall  have  no  excuse  for  not  being  mounted,  and 
will  divide  the  remainder.  Now,  take  four  men 
apiece  and  round  up  the  saddle  stock,  and  have 
everything  in  shape  to  go  into  camp  to-night.  I  '11 
be  present  at  the  division,  and  I  warn  you  all  that 
I  want  no  clashing." 

A  ranch  remuda  was  driven  in,  and  we  saddled. 
There  were  about  thirty  thousand  acres  in  the  pas 
ture,  and  by  eleven  o'clock  everything  was  thrown 
together.  The  private  horses  of  all  the  boys  had 
been  turned  into  a  separate  inclosure,  and  before 
the  cutting  out  commenced,  every  mother's  son,  in 
cluding  Don  Lovell,  arrived  at  the  round-up.  There 
were  no  corrals  on  the  ranch  which  would  accommo 
date  such  a  body  of  animals,  and  thus  the  work  had 
to  be  done  in  the  open ;  but  with  the  force  at  hand 
we  threw  a  cordon  around  them,  equal  to  a  corral, 
and  the  cutting  out  to  the  four  quarters  commenced. 


20  THE   OUTLET 

The  horses  were  gentle  and  handled  easily.  Forrest 
and  I  turned  to  and  helped  our  old  foreman  cut  out 
his  remuda  of  the  year  before.  There  were  several 
horses  in  my  old  mount  that  I  would  have  liked  to 
have  again,  but  I  knew  it  was  useless  to  try  and 
trade  Jim  out  of  them,  as  he  knew  their  qualities 
and  would  have  robbed  me  in  demanding  their 
equivalent.  When  the  old  remudas  were  again  sep 
arated,  they  were  counted  and  carefully  looked  over 
by  both  foremen  and  men,  and  were  open  to  the 
inspection  of  all  who  cared  to  look.  Everything 
was  passing  very  pleasantly,  and  the  cutting  of 
the  extra  twenty-five  began.  Then  my  selfishness 
was  weighed  in  the  balance  and  found  to  be  full 

O 

weight.  I  had  ridden  over  a  hundred  of  the  best 
of  them,  but  when  any  one  appealed  to  me,  even 
my  own  dear  brother,  I  was  as  dumb  as  an  oyster 
about  a  horse.  Tolleston,  especially,  cursed,  raved, 
and  importuned  me  to  help  him  get  a  good  private 
mount,  but  I  was  as  innocent  as  I  was  immovable. 
The  trip  home  from  Dodge  was  no  pleasure  jaunt, 
and  now  I  was  determined  to  draw  extra  pay  in 
getting  the  cream  of  that  horse  herd.  There  were 
other  features  governing  my  actions :  Flood  was 
indifferent ;  Forrest,  at  times,  was  cruel  to  horses, 
and  had  I  helped  my  brother,  I  might  have  been 
charged  with  favoritism.  Dave  Sponsilier  was 
a  good  horseman,  as  his  selections  proved,  and 
I  was  not  wasting  any  love  and  affection  on  Archie 
Tolleston  that  day,  anyhow. 


ORGANIZING  THE   FORCES  21 

That  no  undue  advantage  should  be  taken,  Lovell 
kept  tally  of  every  horse  cut  out,  and  once  each  fore 
man  had  taken  his  number,  he  was  waved  out  of 
the  herd.  I  did  the  selecting  of  my  own,  and  with 
the  assistance  of  one  man,  was  constantly  waiting 
my  turn.  With  all  the  help  he  could  use,  Tolleston 
was  over  half  an  hour  making  his  selections,  and 
took  the  only  blind  horse  in  the  entire  herd.  He  was 
a  showy  animal,  a  dapple  gray,  fully  fifteen  hands 
high,  bred  in  north  Texas,  and  belonged  to  one  of 
the  whole  remudas  bought  in  Dodge.  At  the  time 
of  his  purchase,  neither  Lovell  nor  Flood  detected 
anything  wrong,  and  no  one  could  see  anything  in 
the  eyeball  which  would  indicate  he  was  moon-eyed. 
Yet  any  horseman  need  only  notice  him  closely  to  be 
satisfied  of  his  defect,  as  he  was  constantly  shying 
from  other  horses  and  objects  and  smelled  every 
thing  which  came  within  his  reach.  There  were  pro 
bably  half  a  dozen  present  who  knew  of  his  blind 
ness,  but  not  a  word  was  said  until  all  the  extras 
were  chosen  and  the  culling  out  of  the  overplus  of 
the  various  remudas  began.  It  started  in  snickers, 
and  before  the  cutting  back  was  over  developed  into 
peals  of  laughter,  as  man  after  man  learned  that  the 
dapple  gray  in  Tolleston's  remuda  was  blind. 

Among  the  very  last  to  become  acquainted  with 
the  fact  was  the  trail  foreman  himself.  After  watch 
ing  the  horse  long  enough  to  see  his  mistake, 
Tolleston  culled  the  gray  back  and  rode  into  the 
herd  to  claim  another.  But  the  drover  promptly 


22  THE   OUTLET 

summoned  his  foreman  out,  and,  as  they  met,  Lovell 
said  to  his  trail  boss,  "  Arch,  you  're  no  better  than 
anybody  else.  I  bought  that  gray  and  paid  my 
good  money  for  him.  No  doubt  but  the  man  who 
sold  him  has  laughed  about  it  often  since,  and  if 
ever  we  meet,  I  '11  take  my  hat  off  and  compliment 
him  on  being  the  only  person  who  ever  sold  me  a 
moon-eyed  horse.  I  'm  still  paying  my  tuition,  and 
you  need  n't  flare  up  when  the  laugh 's  on  you.  You 
have  a  good  remuda  without  him,  and  the  only  way 
you  can  get  another  horse  out  of  that  herd  is  with 
the  permission  of  Quince  Forrest  and  Tom  Quirk." 
"  Well,  if  the  permission  of  those  new  foremen  is 
all  I  lack,  then  I  '11  cut  all  the  horses  I  want,"  re 
torted  Tolleston,  and  galloped  back  towards  the 
herd.  But  Quince  and  I  were  after  him  like  a  flash, 
followed  leisurely  by  Lovell.  As  he  slacked  his 
mount  to  enter  the  mass  of  animals,  I  passed  him, 
jerking  the  bridle  reins  from  his  hand.  Throwing 
my  horse  on  his  haunches,  I  turned  just  as  Forrest 
slapped  Tolleston  on  the  back,  and  said :  "  Look-ee 
here,  Arch ;  just  because  you  're  a  little  hot  under 
the  collar,  don't  do  anything  brash,  for  fear  you  may 
regret  it  afterward.  I  'm  due  to  take  a  little  pasear 
myself  this  summer,  and  I  always  did  like  to  be  well 
mounted.  Now,  don't  get  your  back  up  or  attempt 
to  stand  up  any  bluffs,  for  I  can  whip  you  in  any 
sized  circle  you  can  name.  You  never  saw  me  burn 
powder,  did  you  ?  Well,  just  you  keep  on  acting 
the  d fool  if  you  want  a  little  smoke  thrown  in 


ORGANIZING   THE  FORCES  23 

your  face.  Just  fool  with  me  and  I  '11  fog  you  till 
you  look  like  an  angel  in  the  clouds." 

But  old  man  Don  reached  us,  and  raised  his 
hand.  I  threw  the  reins  back  over  the  horse's  head. 
Tolleston  was  white  with  rage,  but  before  he  could 
speak  our  employer  waved  us  aside  and  said, 
"  Tom,  you  and  Quince  clear  right  out  of  here  and 
I  '11  settle  this  matter.  Arch,  there  's  your  remuda. 
Take  it  and  go  about  your  business  or  say  you  don't 
want  to.  Now,  we  know  each  other,  and  I  '11  not 
mince  or  repeat  any  words  with  you.  Go  on." 

"Not  an  inch  will  I  move  until  I  get  another 
horse,"  hissed  Tolleston  between  gasps.  "  If  it  lies 
between  you  and  me,  then  I  '11  have  one  in  place  of 
that  gray,  or  you  '11  get  another  foreman.  Now,  you 
have  my  terms  and  ticket." 

"  Very  well  then,  Archie  ;  that  changes  the  pro 
gramme  entirely,"  replied  Lovell,  firmly.  "  You  '11 
find  your  private  horse  in  the  small  pasture,  and 
we  '11  excuse  you  for  the  summer.  Whenever  a  man 
in  my  employ  gets  the  impression  that  I  can't  get 
along  without  him,  that  moment  he  becomes  useless 
to  me.  It  seems  that  you  are  bloated  with  that  idea, 
and  a  season's  rest  and  quiet  may  cool  you  down 
and  make  a  useful  man  of  you  again.  Remember 
that  you  're  always  welcome  at  my  ranch,  and  don't 
let  this  make  us  strangers,"  he  called  back  as  he 
turned  away. 

Riding  over  with  us  to  where  a  group  were  sit 
ting  on  their  horses,  our  employer  scanned  the 


24  THE   OUTLET 

crowd  without  saying  a  word.  Turning  halfway  in 
his  saddle,  he  looked  over  towards  Flood's  remuda 
and  said :  "  One  of  you  boys  please  ride  over  and 
tell  Paul  I  want  him."  During  the  rather  embar 
rassing  interim,  the  conversation  instantly  changed, 
and  we  borrowed  tobacco  and  rolled  cigarettes  to 
kill  time. 

Priest  was  rather  slow  in  making  his  appearance, 
riding  leisurely,  but  on  coming  up  innocently  in 
quired  of  his  employer,  "  Did  you  want  to  see  me  ?  " 

"  Yes.  Paul,  I  've  just  lost  one  of  my  foremen. 
I  need  a  good  reliable  man  to  take  a  herd  to  Fort 
Washakie.  It 's  an  Indian  agency  on  the  head 
waters  of  the  North  Platte  in  Wyoming.  Will  you 
tackle  the  job?" 

"  A  good  soldier  is  always  subject  to  orders," 
replied  The  Rebel  with  a  military  salute.  "  If  you 
have  a  herd  for  delivery  in  Wyoming,  give  me  the 
men  and  horses,  and  I  '11  put  the  cattle  there  if 
possible.  You  are  the  commandant  in  the  field,  and 
I  am  subject  to  instructions." 

"  There 's  your  remuda  and  outfit,  then,"  said 
Lovell,  pointing  to  the  one  intended  for  Tolleston, 
"  and  you  '11  get  a  commissary  at  the  ranch  and  go 
into  camp  this  evening.  You  '11  get  your  herd  in 
Nueces  County,  and  Jim  will  assist  in  the  receiving. 
Any  other  little  details  will  all  be  arranged  before 
you  get  away." 

Calling  for  all  the  men  in  Tolleston's  outfit,  the 
two  rode  away  for  that  remuda.  Shortly  before  the 


ORGANIZING   THE   FORCES  25 

trouble  arose,  our  employer  instructed  those  with 
the  Buford  cattle  to  take  ten  extra  horses  for  each 
herd.  There  were  now  over  a  hundred  and  forty 
head  to  be  culled  back,  and  Sponsilier  was  entitled 
to  ten  of  them.  In  order  to  be  sure  of  our  numbers, 
we  counted  the  remaining  band,  and  Forrest  and  I 
trimmed  them  down  to  two  hundred  and  fifty-four 
head.  As  this  number  was  too  small  to  be  handled 
easily  in  the  open,  we  decided  to  take  them  into 
the  corrals  for  the  final  division.  After  the  culling 
back  was  over,  and  everything  had  started  for  the 
ranch,  to  oblige  Sponsilier,  I  remained  behind  and 
helped  him  to  retrim  his  remuda.  Unless  one  knew 
the  horses  personally,  it  was  embarrassing  even  to 
try  and  pick  ten  of  the  best  ones  from  the  over 
plus.  But  I  knew  many  of  them  at  first  hand,  and 
at  Dave's  request,  after  picking  out  the  extra  ones, 
continued  selecting  others  in  exchange  for  horses 
in  his  old  band.  We  spent  nearly  an  hour  cutting 
back  and  forth,  or  until  we  were  both  satisfied  that 
his  saddle  stock  could  not  be  improved  from  the 
material  at  hand. 

The  ranch  headquarters  were  fully  six  miles  from 
the  round-up.  Leaving  Sponsilier  delighted  with  the 
change  in  his  remuda,  I  rode  to  overtake  the  undi 
vided  band  which  were  heading  for  the  ranch  cor 
rals.  On  coming  up  with  them,  Forrest  proposed 
that  we  divide  the  horses  by  a  running  cut  in  squads 
of  ten,  and  toss  for  choice.  Once  they  were  in  the 
corrals,  this  could  have  been  easily  done  by  simply 


26  THE   OUTLET 

opening  a  gate  and  allowing  blocks  of  ten  to  pass 
alternately  from  the  main  into  smaller  inclosures. 
But  I  was  expecting  something  like  this  from 
Quince,  and  had  entirely  different  plans  of  rny  own. 
Forrest  and  I  were  good  friends,  but  he  was  a  foxy 
rascal,  and  I  had  never  wavered  in  my  determina 
tion  to  get  the  pick  of  that  horse  herd.  Had  I 
accepted  his  proposal,  the  chance  of  a  spinning 
coin  might  have  given  him  a  decided  advantage, 
and  I  declined  his  proposition.  I  had  a  remuda  in 
sight  that  my  very  being  had  hungered  for,  and 
now  I  would  take  no  chance  of  losing  it.  But  on 
the  other  hand,  I  proposed  to  Forrest  that  he  might 
have  the  assistance  of  two  men  in  Flood's  outfit  who 
had  accompanied  the  horse  herd  home  from  Dodge. 
In  the  selecting  of  Jim's  extra  twenty-five,  the 
opinion  of  these  two  lads,  as  the  chosen  horses 
proved,  was  a  decided  help  to  their  foreman.  But 
Quince  stood  firm,  and  arguing  the  matter,  we 
reached  the  corrals  and  penned  the  band. 

The  two  top  bunches  were  held  separate  and  were 
left  a  mile  back  on  the  prairie,  under  herd.  The 
other  remudas  were  all  in  sight  of  the  ranch,  while 
a  majority  of  the  men  were  eating  a  late  dinner. 
Still  contending  for  his  point,  Forrest  sent  a  lad  to 
the  house  to  ask  our  employer  to  come  over  to  the 
corrals.  On  his  appearance,  accompanied  by  Flood, 
each  of  us  stated  our  proposition. 

"  Well,  the  way  I  size  this  up,"  said  old  man 
Don,  "  one  of  you  wants  to  rely  on  his  own  judg- 


ORGANIZING   THE   FORCES  27 

ment  and  the  other  don't.  It  looks  to  me,  Quince, 
you  want  a  gambler's  chance  where  you  can't  lose. 
Tom  's  willing  to  bank  on  his  own  judgment,  but 
you  ain't.  Now,  I  like  a  man  who  does  his  own 
thinking,  and  to  give  you  a  good  lesson  in  that  line, 
why,  divide  them,  horse  and  horse,  turn  about. 
Now,  I  '11  spin  this  coin  for  first  pick,  and  while  it 's 
in  the  air,  Jim  will  call  the  turn.  .  .  .  Tom  wins 
first  choice." 

"That's  all  right,  Mr.  Lovell,"  said  Quince, 
smilingly.  "  I  just  got  the  idea  that  you  wanted 
the  remudas  for  the  Buford  herds  to  be  equally 
good.  How  can  you  expect  it  when  Tom  knows 
every  horse  and  I  never  saddled  one  of  them.  Give 
me  the  same  chance,  and  I  might  know  them  as 
well  as  the  little  boy  knew  his  pap." 

"  You  had  the  same  chance,"  I  put  in,  "  but 
did  n't  want  it.  You  were  offered  the  Pine  Ridge 
horses  last  year  to  take  back  to  Dodge,  and  you 
kicked  like  a  bay  steer.  But  I  swallowed  their  dust 
to  the  Arkansaw,  and  from  there  home  we  lived  in 
clouds  of  alkali.  You  went  home  drunk  and  dressed 
up,  with  a  cigar  in  your  mouth  and  your  feet 
through  the  car  window,  claiming  you  was  a  brother- 
in-law  to  Jay  Gould,  and  simply  out  on  a  tour  of 
inspection.  Now  you  expect  me  to  give  you  the 
benefit  of  my  experience  and  rob  myself.  Not  this 
summer,  John  Quincy." 

But  rather  than  let  Forrest  feel  that  he  was  being 
taken  advantage  of,  I  repeated  my  former  propo- 


28  THE   OUTLET 

sition.  Accepting  it  as  a  last  resort,  the  two  boys 
were  sent  for  and  the  dividing  commenced.  Re 
mounting  our  horses,  we  entered  the  large  corral, 
and  as  fast  as  they  were  selected  the  different  out 
fits  were  either  roped  or  driven  singly  through  a 
guarded  gate.  It  took  over  an  hour  of  dusty  work 
to  make  the  division,  but  when  it  was  finished  I  had 
a  remuda  of  a  hundred  and  fifty-two  saddle  horses 
that  would  make  a  man  willing  to  work  for  his  board 
and  the  privilege  of  riding  them.  Turning  out  of 
the  corrals,  Priest  and  I  accompanied  the  horses 
out  on  the  prairie  where  our  toppy  ones  were  being 
grazed.  Paul  was  tickled  over  my  outfit  of  saddle 
stock,  but  gave  me  several  hints  that  he  was  entitled 
to  another  picked  mount.  I  attempted  to  explain 
that  he  had  a  good  remuda,  but  he  still  insisted,  and 
I  promised  him  if  he  would  be  at  my  wagon  the 
next  morning  when  we  corralled,  he  should  have 
a  good  one.  I  could  well  afford  to  be  generous  with 
my  old  bunkie. 

There  now  only  remained  the  apportionment  of  the 
work-stock.  Four  mules  were  allowed  to  the  wagon, 
and  in  order  to  have  them  in  good  condition  they 
had  been  grain-fed  for  the  past  month.  In  their 
allotment  the  Buford  herds  were  given  the  best 
teams,  and  when  mine  was  pointed  out  by  my  em 
ployer,  the  outfit  assisted  the  cook  to  harness  in. 
Giving  him  instructions  to  go  into  camp  on  a  creek 
three  miles  south  of  headquarters,  my  wagon  was 
the  second  one  to  get  away.  Some  of  the  teams 


ORGANIZING  THE   FORCES  29 

bolted  at  the  start,  and  only  for  timely  assistance 
Sponsilier's  commissary  would  have  been  overturned 
in  the  sand.  Two  of  the  wagons  headed  west  for 
Uvalde,  while  my  brother  Bob's  started  southeast 
for  Bee  County.  The  other  two  belonging  to  Flood 
and  The  Rebel  would  camp  on  the  same  creek  as 
mine,  their  herds  being  also  south.  Once  the  wag 
ons  were  off,  the  saddle  stock  was  brought  in  and 
corralled  for  our  first  mounts.  The  final  allotment 
of  horses  to  the  men  would  not  take  place  until 
the  herds  were  ready  to  be  received,  and  until  then, 
they  would  be  ridden  uniformly  but  promiscuously. 
With  instructions  from  our  employer  to  return  to 
the  ranch  after  making  camp,  the  remudas  were 
started  after  the  wagons. 

On  our  return  after  darkness,  the  ranch  was  as 
deserted  as  a  school-house  on  Saturday.  A  Mexi 
can  cook  and  a  few  regular  ranch  hands  were  all 
that  were  left.  Archie  Tolleston  had  secured  his 
horse  and  quit  headquarters  before  any  one  had  even 
returned  from  the  round-up.  When  the  last  of  the 
foremen  came  in,  our  employer  delivered  his  final 
messages.  "  Boys,"  said  he,  "  I  '11  only  detain  you 
a  few  minutes.  I  'm  going  west  in  the  morning  to 
Uvalde  County,  and  will  be  present  at  the  receiving 
of  Quince  and  Dave's  herds.  After  they  start,  I  '11 
come  back  to  the  city  and  take  stage  to  Oakville. 
But  you  go  right  ahead  and  receive  your  cattle, 
Bob,  for  we  don't  know  what  may  turn  up.  Flood 
will  help  Tom  first,  and  then  Paul,  to  receive  their 


30  THE   OUTLET 

cattle.  That  will  give  the  Buford  herds  the  first 
start,  and  I  '11  be  waiting  for  you  at  Abilene  when 
you  reach  there.  And  above  all  else,  boys,  remem 
ber,  that  I  've  strained  my  credit  in  this  drive,  and 
that  the  cattle  must  be  A  1,  and  that  we  must 
deliver  them  on  the  spot  in  prime  condition.  Now, 
that 's  all,  but  you  'd  better  be  riding  so  as  to  get 
an  early  start  in  the  morning." 

Our  employer  walked  with  us  to  the  outer  gate 
where  our  horses  stood  at  the  hitch-rack.  That  he 
was  reticent  in  his  business  matters  was  well  known 
among  all  his  old  foremen,  including  Forrest  and 
myself.  If  he  had  a  confidant  among  his  men,  Jim 
Flood  was  the  man  —  and  there  were  a  few  things 
he  did  not  know.  As  we  mounted  our  horses  to  re 
turn  to  our  respective  camps,  old  man  Don  quietly 
took  my  bridle  reins  in  hand  and  allowed  the  others 
to  ride  away.  "  I  want  a  parting  word  with  you, 
Tom,"  said  he  a  moment  later.  "  Something  has 
happened  to-day  which  will  require  the  driving  of 
the  Buford  herds  in  some  road  brand  other  than 
the  '  Circle  Dot.'  The  first  blacksmith  shop  you 
pass,  have  your  irons  altered  into  '  Open  A's,'  and 
I  '11  do  the  same  with  Quince  and  Dave's  brands. 
Of  the  why  or  wherefore  of  this,  say  nothing  to 
any  one,  as  no  one  but  myself  knows.  Don't 
breathe  a  word  even  to  Flood,  for  he  don't  know 
any  more  than  he  should.  When  the  time  comes,  if 
it  ever  does,  you  '11  know  all  that  is  necessary  —  or 
nothing.  That 's  all." 


CHAPTER  III 
RECEIVING  AT  LOS  LOBOS 

THE  trip  to  Lasalle  County  was  mere  pastime.  All 
three  of  the  outfits  kept  in  touch  with  each  other, 
camping  far  enough  apart  to  avoid  any  conflict  in 
night-herding  the  remudas.  The  only  incident  to 
mar  the  pleasure  of  the  outing  was  the  discovery  of 
ticks  in  many  of  our  horses'  ears.  The  pasture  in 
which  they  had  wintered  was  somewhat  brushy,  and 
as  there  had  been  no  frost  to  kill  insect  life,  myri 
ads  of  seed-ticks  had  dropped  from  the  mesquite 
thickets  upon  the  animals  when  rubbing  against  or 
passing  underneath  them.  As  the  inner  side  of  a 
horse's  ear  is  both  warm  and  tender,  that  organ  was 
frequently  infested  with  this  pest,  whose  ravages 
often  undermined  the  supporting  cartilages  and  pro 
duced  the  drooping  or  "  gotch  "  ear.  In  my  remuda 
over  one  half  the  horses  were  afflicted  with  ticks, 
and  many  of  them  it  was  impossible  to  bridle,  owing 
to  the  inflamed  condition  of  their  ears.  Fortunately 
we  had  with  us  some  standard  preparations  for 
blistering,  so,  diluting  this  in  axle-grease,  we  threw 
every  animal  thus  affected  and  thoroughly  swabbed 
his  ears. 

On  reaching  the  Nueces  River,  near  the  western 


32  THE   OUTLET 

boundary  of  Lasalle  County,  the  other  two  outfits 
continued  on  down  that  stream  for  their  destination 
in  the  lower  country.  Flood  remained  behind  with 
me,  and  going  into  camp  on  the  river  with  my  out 
fit,  the  two  of  us  rode  over  to  Los  Lobos  Kanch  and 
announced  ourselves  as  ready  to  receive  the  cattle. 
Dr.  Beaver,  the  seller  of  the  herd,  was  expecting 
us,  and  sending  word  of  our  arrival  to  neighboring 
cowmen,  we  looked  over  the  corrals  before  return 
ing  to  camp.  They  had  built  a  new  branding- 
chute  and  otherwise  improved  their  facilities  for 
handling  cattle.  The  main  inclosure  had  been  built 
of  heavy  palisades  in  an  early  day,  but  recently 
several  of  smaller  sized  lumber  had  been  added, 
making  the  most  complete  corrals  I  had  ever  seen. 
An  abundance  of  wood  was  at  hand  for  heating  the 
branding-irons,  and  every  little  detail  to  facilitate 
the  work  had  been  provided  for.  Giving  notice  that 
we  would  receive  every  morning  on  the  open  prairie 
only,  we  declined  an  invitation  to  remain  at  the 
ranch  and  returned  to  my  wagon. 

In  the  valley  the  grass  was  well  forward.  We 
had  traveled  only  some  twenty  miles  a  day  coming 
down,  and  our  horses  had  fared  well.  But  as  soon 
as  we  received  any  cattle,  night-herding  the  remuda 
would  cease,  and  we  must  either  hobble  or  resort 
to  other  measures.  John  Levering  was  my  horse- 
wrangler.  He  had  made  two  trips  over  the  trail 
with  Fant's  herds  in  the  same  capacity,  was  care 
ful,  humane,  and  an  all-round  horseman.  In  em- 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS   LOBOS  33 

ploying  a  cook,  I  had  given  the  berth  to  Neal 
Parent,  an  old  boyhood  chum  of  mine.  He  never 
amounted  to  much  as  a  cow-hand,  but  was  a  light- 
hearted,  happy  fool ;  and  as  cooking  did  not  require 
much  sense,  I  gave  him  the  chance  to  make  his  first 
trip.  Like  a  court  jester,  he  kept  the  outfit  in  fine 
spirits  and  was  the  butt  of  all  jokes.  In  entertain 
ing  company  he  was  in  a  class  by  himself,  and  spoke 
with  marked  familiarity  of  all  the  prominent  cow 
men  in  southern  Texas.  To  a  stranger  the  infer 
ence  might  be  easily  drawn  that  Lovell  was  in  his 
employ. 

As  we  were  expecting  to  receive  cattle  on  the 
third  day,  the  next  morning  the  allotment  of  horses 
was  made.  The  usual  custom  of  giving  the  foreman 
first  choice  was  claimed,  and  I  cut  twelve  of  solid 
colors  but  not  the  largest  ones.  Taking  turns,  the 
outfit  roped  out  horse  after  horse  until  only  the  ten 
extra  ones  were  left.  In  order  that  these  should 
bear  a  fair  share  in  the  work,  I  took  one  of  them 
for  a  night-horse  and  allotted  the  others  to  the  sec 
ond,  third,  and  last  guard  in  a  similar  capacity. 
This  gave  the  last  three  watches  two  horses  apiece 
for  night  work,  but  with  the  distinct  understanding 
that  in  case  of  accident  or  injury  to  any  horse  in 
the  remuda,  they  could  be  recalled.  There  was 
little  doubt  that  before  the  summer  ended,  they 
would  be  claimed  to  fill  vacancies  in  the  regular ' 
mounts.  Flood  had  kept  behind  only  two  horses 
with  which  to  overtake  the  other  outfits,  and  during 


34  THE   OUTLET 

his  stay  with  us  would  ride  these  extras  and  loans 
from  my  mount. 

The  entire  morning  was  spent  working  with  the 
remuda.  Once  a  man  knew  his  mount,  extra  atten 
tion  was  shown  each  horse.  There  were  witches'  bri 
dles  to  be  removed  from  their  manes,  extra  long  tails 
were  thinned  out  to  the  proper  length,  and  all  hoofs 
trimmed  short.  The  horses  were  fast  shedding  their 
winter  coats,  matting  the  saddle  blankets  with  fall 
ing  hair,  and  unless  carefully  watched,  galled  backs 
would  result.  The  branding-irons  had  been  altered 
en  route,  and  about  noon  a  vaquero  came  down  the 
river  and  reported  that  the  second  round-up  of  the 
day  would  meet  just  over  the  county  line  in  Dimmit. 
He  belonged  at  Los  Lobos,  and  reported  the  morn 
ing  rodeo  as  containing  over  five  hundred  beeves, 
which  would  be  ready  for  delivery  at  our  pleasure. 
We  made  him  remain  for  dinner,  after  which  Flood 
and  I  saddled  up  and  returned  with  him.  We 
reached  the  round-up  just  as  the  cutting-out  finished. 
They  were  a  fine  lot  of  big  rangy  beeves,  and  Jim 
suggested  that  we  pass  upon  them  at  once.  The 
seller  agreed  to  hold  them  overnight,  and  Flood 
and  I  culled  back  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
which  were  under  age  or  too  light.  The  round-up 
outfit  strung  the  cattle  out  and  counted  them,  re 
porting  a  few  over  seven  hundred  head.  This  count 
was  merely  informal  and  for  the  information  of  the 
seller ;  but  in  the  morning  the  final  one  would  be 
made,  in  which  we  could  take  a  hand. 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS   LOBOS  35 

After  the  cut  had  started  in  for  the  ranch,  we 
loitered  along,  looking  them  over,  and  I  noticed 
several  that  might  have  been  thrown  out.  "  Well, 
now,"  said  Flood,  "  if  you  are  going  to  be  so  very 
choice  as  all  that,  I  might  as  well  ride  on.  You 
can't  use  me  if  that  bunch  needs  any  more  trimming. 
I  call  them  a  fine  lot  of  beeves.  It 's  all  right  for 
Don  to  rib  the  boys  up  and  make  them  think  that 
the  cattle  have  to  be  top-notchers.  I  've  watched 
him  receive  too  often  ;  he  's  about  the  easiest  man 
I  know  to  ring  in  short  ages  on.  Just  so  a  steer 
looks  nice,  it 's  hard  for  the  old  man  to  turn  one 
back.  I  've  seen  him  receiving  three-year-olds,  when 
one  fourth  of  the  cattle  passed  on  were  short  twos. 
And  if  you  call  his  attention  to  one,  he  '11  just 
smile  that  little  smile  of  his,  and  say,  '  Yes,  he  may 
be  shy  a  few  months,  but  he'll  grow.'  But  then 
that 's  just  old  man  Don's  weakness  for  cattle ;  he 
can't  look  a  steer  in  the  face  without  falling  in  love 
with  him.  Now,  I  've  received  before  when  by 
throwing  out  one  half  the  stock  offered,  you  could  n't 
get  as  uniform  a  bunch  of  beeves  as  those  are.  But 
you  go  right  ahead,  Tom,  and  be  sure  that  every 
hoof  you  accept  will  dress  five  hundred  pounds  at 
Fort  Buford.  I  '11  simply  sit  around  and  clerk  and 
help  you  count  and  give  you  a  good  chance  to  make 
a  reputation." 

Los  Lobos  was  still  an  open  range.  They  claimed 
to  have  over  ten  thousand  mixed  cattle  in*  the 
straight  ranch  brand.  There  had  been  no  demand 


36  THE   OUTLET 

for  matured  beeves  for  several  years,  and  now  on 
effecting  this  sale  they  were  anxious  to  deliver  all 
their  grown  steers.  Dr.  Beaver  informed  us  that,  pre 
vious  to  our  arrival,  his  foreman  had  been  throwing 
everything  in  on  the  home  range,  and  that  he  hoped 
to  deliver  to  us  over  two  thousand  head  from  his 
own  personal  holdings.  But  he  was  liberal  with  his 
neighbors,  for  in  the  contingent  just  passed  upon, 
there  must  have  been  over  a  hundred  head  in  vari 
ous  ranch  brands.  Assuring  him  that  we  would  be 
on  hand  in  the  morning  to  take  possession  of  the 
cattle,  and  requesting  him  to  have  a  fire  burning, 
on  coming  opposite  the  camp,  we  turned  off  and 
rode  for  our  wagon.  It  meant  a  big  day's  work  to 
road-brand  this  first  contingent,  and  with  the  first 
sign  of  dawn,  my  outfit  were  riding  for  Los  Lobos. 
We  were  encamped  about  three  miles  from  the  cor 
rals,  and  leaving  orders  for  the  cook  to  follow  up, 
the  camp  was  abandoned  with  the  exception  of  the 
remuda.  It  was  barely  sun-up  when  we  counted  and 
took  possession  of  the  beeves.  On  being  relieved, 
the  foreman  of  Los  Lobos  took  the  ranch  outfit  and 
started  off  to  renew  the  gathering.  We  penned  the 
cattle  without  any  trouble,  and  as  soon  as  the  irons 
were  ready,  a  chuteful  were  run  in  and  the  brand 
ing  commenced.  This  branding-chute  was  long 
enough  to  chamber  eight  beeves.  It  was  built  about 
a  foot  wide  at  the  bottom  and  flared  upward  just 
enough  to  prevent  an  animal  from  turning  round. 
A  heavy  gate  closed  the  exit,  while  bull-bars  at  the 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS  LOBOS  37 

rear  prevented  the  occupant  from  backing  out.  A 
high  platform  ran  along.either  side  of  the  branding- 
chute,  on  which  the  men  stood  while  handling  the 
irons. 

Two  men  did  the  branding.  "  Runt "  Pickett 
attended  the  fire,  passing  up  the  heated  irons,  and 
dodging  the  cold  branding-steel.  A  single  iron  was 
often  good  for  several  animals,  and  sometimes  a 
chuteful  was  branded  with  two  irons.  It  was  nec 
essary  that  the  work  should  be  well  done ;  not  that 
a  five  months'  trip  required  it,  but  the  unforeseen 
must  be  guarded  against.  Many  trail  herds  had 
met  disaster  and  been  scattered  to  the  four  winds 
with  nothing  but  a  road  brand  to  identify  them 
afterward.  The  cattle  were  changing  owners,  and 
custom  decreed  that  an  abstract  of  title  should  be 
indelibly  seared  on  their  sides.  The  first  guard, 
Jake  Blair,  Morg  Tussler,  and  Clay  Zilligan,  were 
detailed  to  cut  and  drive  the  squads  into  the  chute. 
These  three  were  the  only  mounted  men,  the  others 
being  placed  so  as  to  facilitate  the  work.  Cattle  are 
as  innocent  as  they  are  strong,  and  in  this  necessary 
work  everything  was  done  quietly,  care  being  taken 
to  prevent  them  from  becoming  excited.  As  fast 
as  they  were  released  from  the  chute,  Dr.  Beaver 
took  a  list  of  the  ranch  brands,  in  order  to  bill  of 
sale  them  to  Lovell  and  settle  with  his  neighbors. 

The  work  moved  with  alacrity.  As  one  chuteful 
was  being  freed  the  next  one  was  entering.  .Gates 
closed  in  their  faces  and  the  bull-bars  at  the  rear 


38  THE   OUTLET 

locked  them  as  in  a  vice.  We  were  averaging  a 
hundred  an  hour,  but  the  smoke  from  the  burning 
hair  was  offensive  to  the  lungs.  During  the  fore 
noon  Burl  Van  Vedder  and  Vick  Wolf  "  spelled  " 
Flood  and  myself  for  half  an  hour  at  a  time,  or  until 
we  could  recover  from  the  nauseous  fumes.  When 
the  cook  called  us  to  dinner,  we  had  turned  out 
nearly  five  hundred  branded  cattle.  No  sooner  was 
the  midday  meal  bolted  than  the  cook  was  ordered 
back  to  camp  with  his  wagon,  the  branded  contin 
gent  of  cattle  following  in  charge  of  the  first  guard. 
Less  than  half  an  hour  was  lost  in  refreshing  the 
inner  man,  and  ordering  "G — G  "  Cederdall,  Tim 
Stanley,  and  Jack  Splann  of  the  second  guard  into 
their  saddles  to  take  the  place  of  the  relieved  men, 
we  resumed  our  task.  The  dust  of  the  corrals  set 
tled  on  us  unheeded,  the  smoke  of  the  fire  mingled 
with  that  of  the  singeing  hair  and  its  offensive 
odo'rs,  bringing  tears  to  our  eyes,  but  the  work 
never  abated  until  the  last  steer  had  passed  the 
chute  and  bore  the  "  Open  A." 

The  work  over,  a  pretense  was  made  at  wash 
ing  the  dust  and  grime  from  our  faces.  It  was  still 
early  in  the  day,  and  starting  the  cattle  for  camp, 
I  instructed  the  boys  to  water  and  graze  them  as 
long  as  they  would  stand  up.  The  men  all  knew 
their  places  on  guard,  this  having  been  previously 
arranged ;  and  joining  Dr.  Beaver,  Jim  and  I  rode 
for  the  ranch  about  a  mile  distant.  The  doctor  was 
a  genial  host,  and  prescribed  a  series  of  mint-juleps, 


RECEIVING   AT    LOS   LOBOS  39 

after  which  he  proposed  that  we  ride  out  and  meet 
the  cattle  gathered  during  the  day.  The  outfit  had 
been  working  a  section  of  country  around  some 
lagoons,  south  of  the  ranch,  and  it  was  fully  six 
o'clock  when  we  met  them,  heading  homeward. 
The  cattle  were  fully  up  to  the  standard  of  the 
first  bunch,  and  halting  the  herd  we  trimmed  them 
down  and  passed  on  them.  After  Flood  rode  out 
of  this  second  contingent,  I  culled  back  about  a 
dozen  light  weights.  On  finishing,  Jim  gave  me  a 
quiet  wink,  and  said  something  to  Dr.  Beaver  about 
a  new  broom.  But  I  paid  no  attention  to  these 
remarks ;  in  a  country  simply  teeming  with  prime 
beeves,  I  was  determined  to  get  a  herd  to  my 
liking.  Dr.  Beaver  had  assured  Lovell  that  he 
and  his  neighbors  would  throw  together  over  four 
thousand  beeves  in  making  up  the  herd,  and  now 
I  was  perfectly  willing  that  they  should.  It  would 
take  two  days  longer  to  gather  the  cattle  on  the 
Los  Lobos  range,  and  then  there  were  the  outside 
offerings,  which  were  supposed  to  number  fully 
two  thousand.  There  was  no  excuse  for  not  being- 
choice. 

On  returning  to  Los  Lobos  about  dusk,  rather 
than  offend  its  owner,  Flood  consented  to  re 
main  at  the  ranch  overnight,  but  I  rode  for  camp. 
Darkness  had  fallen  on  my  reaching  the  wagon, 
the  herd  had  been  bedded  down,  and  Levering  felt 
so  confident  that  the  remuda  was  contented  that 
he  had  concluded  to  night-herd  them  himself  until 


40  THE   OUTLET 

midnight,  and  then  turn  them  loose  until  dawn.  He 
had  belled  a  couple  of  the  leaders,  and  assured  me 
that  he  would  have  them  in  hand  before  sun-up. 
The  cook  was  urging  me  to  supper,  but  before  un 
saddling,  I  rode  around  both  herd  and  remuda.  The 
cattle  were  sleeping  nicely,  and  the  boys  assured 
me  that  they  had  got  a  splendid  fill  on  them  before 
bedding  down.  That  was  the  only  safe  thing  to  do, 
and  after  circling  the  saddle  stock  on  the  opposite 
side  of  camp,  I  returned  to  find  that  a  stranger  had 
arrived  during  my  brief  absence.  Parent  had  fully 
enlightened  him  as  to  who  he  was,  who  the  outfit 
were,  the  destination  of  the  herd,  the  names  of  both 
buyer  and  seller,  and,  on  my  riding  in,  was  deliver 
ing  a  voluble  dissertation  on  the  tariff  and  the  pos 
sible  effect  on  the  state  of  putting  hides  on  the  free 
list.  And  although  in  cow-camps  a  soldier's  intro 
duction  is  usually  sufficient,  the  cook  inquired  the 
stranger's  name  and  presented  me  to  our  guest  with 
due  formality.  Supper  being  waiting,  the  stranger 
was  invited  to  take  pot-luck  with  us,  and  before 
the  meal  was  over  recognized  me.  He  was  a  deputy 
cattle  inspector  for  Dimmit  County,  and  had  issued 
the  certificate  for  Flood's  herd  the  year  before.  He 
had  an  eye  for  the  main  chance,  and  informed  me 
that  fully  one  half  the  cattle  making  up  our  herd 
belonged  to  Dimmit ;  that  the  county  line  was  only 
a  mile  up  the  river,  and  that  if  I  would  allow  the 
herd  to  drift  over  into  his  territory,  he  would  shade 
the  legal  rate.  The  law  compelling  the  inspection 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS   LOBOS  41 

of  herds  before  they  could  be  moved  out  of  the 
county,  like  the  rain.,  fell  upon  the  just  and  the  un 
just.  It  was  not  the  intent  of  the  law  to  impose 
a  burden  on  an  honest  drover.  Yet  he  was  classed 
with  the  rustler,  and  must  have  in  his  possession  a 
certificate  of  inspection  before  he  could  move  out 
a  purchased  herd,  or  be  subject  to  arrest.  A  list  of 
brands  was  recorded,  at  the  county  seat,  of  every 
herd  leaving,  and  if  occasion  required  could  be  re 
ferred  to  in  future  years.  No  railroad  would  receive 
any  consignment  of  hides  or  live  stock,  unless 
accompanied  by  a  certificate  from  the  county  in 
spector.  The  legal  rate  was  ten  cents  on  the  first 
hundred,  and  three  cents  on  all  over  that  number, 
frequently  making  the  office  a  lucrative  one. 

Once  the  object  of  his  call  was  made  clear,  I 
warmed  to  our  guest.  If  the  rate  allowed  by  law 
was  enforced,  it  meant  an  expense  of  over  a  hun 
dred  dollars  for  a  certificate  of  inspection  covering 
both  herd  and  saddle  stock.  We  did  not  take  out 
certificates  in  Medina  on  the  remudas  as  a  matter 
of  economy.  By  waiting  until  the  herd  was  ready, 
the  two  would  be  inspected  as  one,  and  the  lower 
rate  apply.  So  I  urged  the  deputy  to  make  himself 
at  home  and  share  my  blankets.  Pretending  that 
I  remembered  him  well,  I  made  numerous  inquiries 
about  the  ranch  where  we  received  our  herd  the 
year  before,  and  by  the  time  to  turn  in,  we  were 
on  the  most  friendly  terms.  The  next  morning 
I  offered  him  a  horse  from  our  extras,  assuring  him 


42  THE   OUTLET 

that  Flood  would  be  delighted  to  renew  his  ac 
quaintance,  and  invited  him  to  go  with  us  for  the 
day.  Turning  his  horse  among  ours,  he  accepted 
and  rode  away  with  us.  The  cattle  passed  on  the 
evening  before  had  camped  out  several  miles  from 
the  corrals  and  were  grazing  in  when  we  met  them. 
Flood  and  the  Doctor  joined  us  shortly  afterward, 
and  I  had  a  quiet  word  with  Jim  before  he  and  the 
inspector  met.  After  the  count  was  over,  Flood 
made  a  great  ado  over  my  guest  and  gave  him  the 
glad  hand  as  if  he  had  been  a  long-lost  brother. 
We  were  a  trifle  short-handed  the  second  day,  and 
on  my  guest  volunteering  to  help,  I  assigned  him 
to  Runt  Pickett's  place  at  the  fire,  where  he 
shortly  developed  a  healthy  sweat.  As  we  did  not 
have  a  large  bunch  of  beeves  to  brand  that  day,  the 
wagon  did  not  come  over  and  we  branded  them  at 
a  single  shift.  It  was  nearly  one  o'clock  when  we 
finished,  and  instead  of  going  in  to  Los  Lobos, 
we  left  the  third  guard,  Wayne  Outcault,  "  Dorg  " 
Seay,  and  Owen  Ubery,  to  graze  the  cattle  over  to 
our  camp. 

The  remainder  of  the  afternoon  was  spent  in 
idleness  and  in  the  entertainment  of  our  guest. 
Official-like,  he  pretended  he  could  hardly  spare 
the  time  to  remain  another  night,  but  was  finally 
prevailed  on  and  did  so.  After  dark,  I  took  him 
some  distance  from  camp,  and  the  two  of  us  had 
a  confidential  chat.  I  assured  him  if  there  was  any 
object  in  doing  so,  we  could  move  camp  right  to  or 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS    LOBOS  43 

over  the  county  line,  and  frankly  asked  him  what 
inducement  he  would  offer.  At  first  he  thought  that 
throwing  off  everything  over  a  hundred  dollars 
would  be  about  right.  But  I  assured  him  that  there 
were  whole  families  of  inspectors  in  Lasalle  County 
who  would  discount  that  figure,  and  kindly  advised 
him,  if  he  really  wanted  the  fee,  to  meet  competi 
tion  at  least.  We  discussed  the  matter  at  length, 
and  before  returning  to  camp,  he  offered  to  make 
out  the  certificate,  covering  everything,  for  fifty 
dollars.  As  it  was  certain  to  be  several  days  yet 
before  we  would  start,  and  there  was  a  prospect  of 
a  falling  market  in  certificates  of  inspection,  I 
would  make  no  definite  promises.  The  next  morn 
ing  I  insisted  that  he  remain  at  some  near-by  ranch 
in  his  own  territory,  and,  if  convenient,  ride  down 
every  few  days  and  note  the  progress  of  the  herd. 

We  were  promised  a  large  contingent  of  cattle 
for  that  day.  The  ranch  outfit  were  to  make  three 
rodeos  down  the  river  the  day  before,  where  the 
bulk  of  their  beeves  ranged.  Flood  was  anxious  to 
overtake  the  other  outfits  before  they  reached  the 
lower  country,  and  as  he  assured  rne  I  had  no  fur 
ther  use  for  him,  we  agreed  that  after  receiving 
that  morning  he  might  leave  us.  Giving  orders  at 
camp  to  graze  the  received  beeves  within  a  mile  of 
the  corrals  by  noon,  and  the  wagon  to  follow,  we 
made  an  early  start,  Flood  taking  his  own  horses 
with  him.  We  met  the  cattle  coming  up  the  river 
a  thousand  strong.  It  was  late  when  the  last 


44  THE   OUTLET 

round-up  of  the  day  before  had  finished,  and  they 
had  camped  for  the  night  fully  five  miles  from  the 
corrals.  It  took  less  than  an  hour  to  cull  back 
and  count,  excuse  the  ranch  outfit,  and  start  this 
contingent  for  the  branding-pens  in  charge  of  my 
boys.  Flood  was  in  a  hurry,  and  riding  a  short 
distance  with  him.  I  asked  that  he  pass  or  send 
word  to  the  county  seat,  informing  the  inspector  of 
hides  and  animals  that  a  trail  herd  would  leave 
Los  Lobos  within  a  week.  Jim  knew  my  motive  in 
getting  competition  on  the  inspection,  and  wishing 
me  luck  on  my  trip,  I  wrung  his  hand  in  farewell 
until  we  should  meet  again  in  the  upper  country. 

The  sun  was  setting  that  night  when  we  finished 
road-branding  the  last  of  the  beeves  received  in 
the  morning.  After  dinner,  when  the  wagon  re 
turned  to  camp,  I  instructed  Parent  to  move  up 
the  river  fully  a  mile.  We  needed  the  change, 
anyhow,  and  even  if  it  was  farther,  the  next  morn 
ing  we  would  have  the  Los  Lobos  outfit  to  assist 
in  the  branding,  as  that  day  would  finish  their 
gathering.  The  outside  cattle  were  beginning  to 
report  in  small  bunches,  from  three  hundred  up 
ward.  Knowing  that  Dr.  Beaver  was  anxious  to 
turn  in  as  many  as  possible  of  his  own,  we  delayed 
receiving  from  the  neighboring  ranches  for  another 
day.  But  the  next  morning,  as  we  were  ironing-up 
the  last  contingent  of  some  four  hundred  Los 
Lobos  beeves,  a  deputy  inspector  for  Lasalle  arrived 
from  the  county  seat.  He  was  likewise  officious, 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS   LOBOS  45 

and  professed  disappointment  that  the  herd  was 
not  ready  to  pass  upon.  On  his  arrival,  I  was 
handling  the  irons,  and  paid  no  attention  to  him 
until  the  branding1  was  over  for  the  morning. 
When  he  introduced  himself,  I  cordially  greeted 
him,  but  at  the  first  intimation  of  disappointment 
from  his  lips,  I  checked  him. 

Using  the  best  diplomacy  at  my  command,  I  said, 
"  Well,  I  'm  sorry  to  cause  you  this  long  ride 
when  it  might  have  been  avoided.  You  see,  we 
are  receiving  cattle  from  both  this  and  Dimmit 
County.  In  fact,  we  are  holding  our  herd  across 
the  line  just  at  present.  On  starting,  we  expect  to 
go  up  the  river  to  the  first  creek,  and  north  on  it 
to  the  Leona  River.  I  have  partially  promised  the 
work  to  an  inspector  from  Dimmit.  He  inspected 
our  herd  last  year,  and  being  a  personal  friend 
that  way,  you  could  n't  meet  his  figures.  Very 
sorry  to  disappoint  you,  but  won't  you  come  over 
to  the  wagon  and  stay  all  night  ?  " 

But  Dr.  Beaver,  who  understood  my  motive, 
claimed  the  privilege  of  entertaining  the  deputy 
at  Los  Lobos,  and  I  yielded.  We  now  had  a  few 
over  twenty-four  hundred  beeves,  of  which  nineteen 
hundred  were  in  the  Los  Lobos  brand,  the  others 
being  mixed.  There  was  a  possibility  of  fully  a 
hundred  more  coming  in  with  the  neighboring 
cattle,  and  Dr.  Beaver  was  delighted  over  the  ranch 
delivery.  The  outside  contingents  were  in<  four 
bunches,  then  encamped  in  different  directions  and 


46  THE  OUTLET 

within  from  three  to  fire  mDes  of  the 
ing  Tick  Wolf  with  me  for  the 
over  the  separate  herds  and  found 
more  than  fifteen  hundred.    They 
uniform  Xueces  Valley  cattle,  am 
only  a  few  over 
sly  liberal, 


of  the  four  herds  to  receive  the  next  day.  Tick  and 
I  reached  oar  camp  on  the  county  fine  about  amspfc 
The  change  was  a  decided  advantage :  wood,  water, 
and  grass  were  plentiful,  and  not  over  a  mile 
farther  hum  the  branding-pens. 

TiTij*  nffrt  morning  found  US  in  nor  laddlm  at  t^¥? 

usual  early  hour.  We  were  anxious  to  receive  and 
brand  every  animal  possible  that  day,  so  that  with 
a  few  hours'  work  the  next  forenoon  the  herd  would 
be  ready  to  start  After  we  had  passed  on  the  first 
contingent  of  the  outside  cattle,  and  as  we  were 
Hearing  the  corrals,  Dr.  Beaver  overtook  us.  Call 
ing  me  aside,  he  said :  -  Quirk,  if  yon  play  your 
cards  right,  you  11  get  a  certificate  of  inspection 
for  nothing  and  a  chromo  as  a  pelon.  I've  bol 
stered  up  the  Lasalle  man  that  he's  better  entitled 
to  the  work  than  the  Dimmit  inspector,  and  he  "11 
wait  until  the  herd  is  ready  to  start.  Now,  you 
handle  the  one,  and  I  "11  keep  the  other  as  my  guest. 
We  must  keep  them  apart  and  let  them  buck  each 
other  to  their  hearts"  content.  Every  hoof  in  your 
herd  will  be  in  a  ranch  brand  of  record ;  but  still 
the  law  demands  inspection  and  you  must  comply 


E~  I  T  xpwjr  ^nt  i  mauicsot  isst  xc  si 

i««*E  3**  ii*t  ittw*.  sent. 


i4jjt:»i 

im    m     ti^ic^  ***t?r 
d:  unr  i^CTir.    !Tiw  ^  ^unu»i* 

iiiL.  ^vKaay:  ihr 


157*  w» 

f  ^O^x  1 


:.>.-. 

-    s 

;v_ 

- 

::    :  :  >  -.  ••  >        .  '  \ 


n 

tie  bed-ground  wowld  be  5^  ttiwl  *«*\>vr.    It" 
Dimmit  h^l  underbid    1***U 


48  THE   OUTLET 

then  the  departure  of  this  herd  would  be  a  matter 
of  record  in  the  latter  county.  Dr.  Beaver  enjoyed 
the  situation  hugely,  acting  the  intermediary  in 
behalf  of  his  guest.  Personally  I  was  unconcerned, 
but  was  neutral  and  had  little  to  say. 

My  outfit  understood  the  situation  perfectly.  Be 
fore  retiring  on  the  night  of  our  last  camp  on  the 
county  line,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  Dimmit 
inspector,  the  last  relief  received  instructions,  in 
the  absence  of  contrary  orders,  to  allow  the  herd 
to  drift  back  into  Lasalle  in  the  morning.  Matters 
were  being  conducted  in  pantomime,  and  the  play 
ers  understood  their  parts.  Our  guest  had  made 
himself  useful  in  various  ways,  and  I  naturally  felt 
friendly  towards  him.  He  had  stood  several  guards 
for  the  boys,  and  Burl  Van  Vedder,  of  the  last 
watch,  had  secret  instructions  to  call  him  for  that 
guard. 

The  next  morning  the  camp  was  not  astir  as  early 
as  usual.  On  the  cook's  arousing  us,  in  the  uncertain 
light  of  dawn,  the  herd  was  slowly  rising,  and  from 
the  position  of  a  group  of  four  horsemen,  it  was 
plainly  evident  that  our  guest  had  shaded  all  com 
petition.  Oar  camp  was  in  plain  view  of  Los  Lobos, 
and  only  some  five  or  six  miles  distant.  With  the 
rising  of  the  sun,  and  from  the  top  of  a  windmill 
derrick,  by  the  aid  of  a  field-glass,  the  Lasalle  in 
spector  had  read  his  answer  :  and  after  the  work  in 
the  morning  was  over,  and  the  final  papers  had  been 
exchanged,  Dr.  Beaver  insisted  that,  in  commiser- 


RECEIVING   AT   LOS   LOBOS  49 

ation  of  his  departed  guest,  just  one  more  mint-julep 
should  be  drunk  standing. 

When  Don  Lov'ell  glanced  over  my  expense 
account  on  our  arrival  at  Abilene,  he  said :  "  Look 
here,  Tom,  is  this  straight?  —  twenty  dollars  for 
inspection  ?  —  the  hell  you  say  !  Corrupted  them, 
did  you?  Well,  that's  the  cheapest  inspection  I 
ever  paid,  "with  one  exception.  Dave  Sponsilier 
once  ^ot  a  certificate  for  his  herd  for  five  dollars 

o 
and  a  few  drinks.    But  he  paid  for  it  a  month  in 

advance  of  the  starting  of  the  herd.  It  was  dated 
ahead,  properly  sealed,  and  all  ready  for  filling  in 
the  brands  and  numbers.  The  herd  was  put  up 
within  a  mile  of  where  four  counties  cornered,  and 
that  inspector  was  a  believer  in  the  maxim  of  the 
early  bird.  The  office  is  a  red-tape  one,  anyhow, 
and  little  harm  in  taking  all  the  advantage  you 
can.  —  This  item  marked  '  sundries  '  was  dry  goods, 
I  suppose  ?  All  right,  Quirk  ;  I  reckon  rattlesnakes 
were  rather  rabid  this  spring." 


CHAPTER   IV 
MINGLING   WITH  THE  EXODUS 

BY  noon  the  herd  had  grazed  out  five  miles  on  its 
way.  The  boys  were  so  anxious  to  get  off  that  on  my 
return  the  camp  was  deserted  with  the  exception  of 
the  cook  and  the  horse-wrangler,  none  even  return 
ing  for  dinner.  Before  leaving  I  had  lunched  at 
Los  Lobos  with  its  owner,  and  on  reaching  the 
wagon,  Levering  and  I  assisted  the  cook  to  harness 
in  and  start  the  commissary.  The  general  course  of 
the  Nueces  River  was  southeast  by  northwest,  and 
as  our  route  lay  on  the  latter  angle,  the  herd  would 
follow  up  the  valley  for  the  first  day.  Once  outside 
the  boundaries  of  our  camp  of  the  past  week,  the 
grass  matted  the  ground  with  its  rank  young 
growth.  As  far  as  the  eye  could  see,  the  mesas, 
clothed  in  the  verdure  of  spring,  rolled  in  long 
swells  away  to  the  divides.  Along  the  river  and  in 
the  first  bottom,  the  timber  and  mesquite  thickets 
were  in  leaf  and  blossom,  while  on  the  outlying 
prairies  the  only  objects  which  dotted  this  sea  of 
green  were  range  cattle  and  an  occasional  band 
of  horses. 

The  start  was  made  on  the  27th  of  March.    By 
easy  drives    and   within   a  week,   we    crossed   the 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS        51 

"  Sunset  "  Railwajr,  about  thirty  miles  to  the  west 
ward  of  the  ranch  in  Medina.  On  reaching  the 
divide  between  the  Leona  and  Frio  rivers,  we  sighted 
our  first  herd  of  trail  cattle,  heading  northward. 
We  learned  that  some  six  herds  had  already  passed 
upward  on  the  main  Frio,  while  a  number  of  others 
were  reported  as  having  taken  the  east  fork  of  that 
river.  The  latter  stream  almost  paralleled  the  line 
between  Medina  and  Uvalde  counties,  and  as  we 
expected  some  word  from  headquarters,  we  crossed 
over  to  the  east  fork.  When  westward  of  and  oppo 
site  the  ranch,  Runt  Pickett  was  sent  in  for  any 
necessary  orders  that  might  be  waiting.  By  leaving 
us  early  in  the  evening  he  could  reach  headquarters 
that  night  and  overtake  us  before  noon  the  next 
day.  We  grazed  leisurely  forward  the  next  morn 
ing,  killing  as  much  time  as  possible,  and  Pickett 
overtook  us  before  the  wagon  had  even  gone  into 
camp  for  dinner.  Lovell  had  not  stopped  on  his 
return  from  the  west,  but  had  left  with  the  depot 
agent  at  the  home  station  a  letter  for  the  ranch. 
From  its  contents  we  learned  that  the  other  two 
Buford  herds  had  started  from  Uvalde,  Sponsilier  in 
the  lead,  one  on  the  24th  and  the  other  the  follow 
ing  day.  Local  rumors  were  encouraging  in  regard 
to  grass  and  water  to  the  westward,  and  the  intima 
tion  was  clear  that  if  favorable  reports  continued, 
the  two  Uvalde  herds  would  intersect  an  old  trail 
running  from  the  head  of  Nueces  Canon  to  the 
Llano  River.  Should  they  follow  this  route  there 


52  THE   OUTLET 

was  little  hope  of  their  coming  into  the  main  west 
ern  trail  before  reaching  the  Colorado  Eiver.  Spon- 
silier  was  a  daring  fellow,  and  if  there  was  a  possible 
chance  to  get  through  beyond  the  borders  of  any 
settlement,  he  was  certain  to  risk  it. 

The  letter  contained  no  personal  advice.  Years 
of  experience  in  trail  matters  had  taught  my  em 
ployer  that  explicit  orders  were  often  harmful. 
The  emergencies  to  be  met  were  of  such  a  varied 
nature  that  the  best  method  was  to  trust  to  an 
outfit  worming  its  way  out  of  any  situation  which 
confronted  it.  From  the  information  disclosed,  it 
was  evident  that  the  other  Buford  herds  were  then 
somewhere  to  the  northwest,  and  possibly  over 
a  hundred  miles  distant.  Thus  freed  from  any 
restraint,  we  held  a  due  northward  course  for  sev 
eral  days,  or  until  we  encountered  some  rocky 
country.  Water  was  plentiful  and  grass  fairly 
good,  but  those  flinty  hills  must  be  avoided  or  sore- 
footed  beeves  would  be  the  result.  I  had  seen  trails 
of  blood  left  by  cattle  from  sandy  countries  on 
encountering  rock,  and  now  the  feet  of  ours  were 
a  second  consideration  to  their  stomachs.  But  long 
before  the  herd  reached  this  menace,  Morg  Tussler 
and  myself,  scouting  two  full  days  in  advance,  lo 
cated  a  safe  route  to  the  westward.  Had  we  turned 
to  the  other  hand,  we  should  have  been  forced 
into  the  main  trail  below  Fredericksburg,  and  we 
preferred  the  sea-room  of  the  boundless  plain. 
From  every  indication  and  report,  this  promised  to 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS        53 

be  the  banner  year  in  the  exodus  of  cattle  from 
the  South  to  the  then  new  Northwest.  This  latter 
section  was  affording  the  long-looked-for  outlet, 
by  absorbing  the  offerings  of  cattle  which  came  up 
from  Texas  over  the  trail,  and  marking  an  epoch 
barely  covering  a  single  decade. 

Turning  on  a  western  angle,  a  week's  drive 
brought  us  out  on  a  high  tableland.  Veering  again 
to  the  north,  we  snailed  along  through  a  delightful 
country,  rich  in  flora  and  the  freshness  of  the 
season.  From  every  possible  elevation,  we  scanned 
the  west  in  the  hope  of  sighting  some  of  the  herd 
which  had  followed  up  the  main  Frio,  but  in  vain. 
Sweeping  northward  at  a  leisurely  gait,  the  third 
week  out  we  sighted  the  Blue  Mountains,  the  first 
familiar  landmark  on  our  course.  As  the  main 
western  trail  skirted  its  base  on  the  eastward,  our 
position  was  easily  established. 

So  far  the  cattle  were  well  behaved,  not  a  run, 
and  only  a  single  incident  occurring  worth  men 
tion.  About  half  an  hour  before  dawn  one  morn 
ing,  the  cook  aroused  the  camp  with  the  report 
that  the  herd  was  missing.  The  beeves  had  been 
bedded  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  wagon, 
and  the  last  watch  usually  hailed  the  rekindling 
of  the  cook's  fire  as  the  first  harbinger  of  day. 
But  on  this  occasion  the  absence  of  the  usual 
salutations  from  the  bed-ground  aroused  Parent's 
suspicion.  He  rushed  into  camp,  and  laboring 
under  the  impression  that  the  cattle  had  stampeded, 


54  THE  OUTLET 

trampled  over  our  beds,  yelling  at  the  top  of  his 
lungs.  Aroused  in  the  darkness  from  heavy  sleep, 
bewildered  by  a  bright  fire  burning  and  a  crazy 
man  shouting,  "  The  beeves  have  stampeded !  the 
herd 's  gone  !  Get  up,  everybody!  "  we  were  almost 
thrown  into  a  panic.  Many  of  the  boys  ran  for 
their  night-horses,  but  Clay  Zilligan  and  I  fell  on 
the  cook  and  shook  the  statement  out  of  him  that 
the  cattle  had  left  their  beds.  This  simplified  the 
situation,  but  before  I  could  recall  the  men,  several 
of  them  had  reached  the  bed-ground.  As  fast  as 
horses  could  be  secured,  others  dashed  through  the 
lighted  circle  and  faded  into  the  darkness.  From 
the  flickering  of  matches  it  was  evident  that  the 
boys  were  dismounting  and  looking  for  some  sign 
of  trouble.  Zilligan  was  swearing  like  a  pirate, 
looking  for  his  horse  in  the  murky  night ;  but  in 
stead  of  any  alarm,  oaths  and  derision  greeted  our 
ears  as  the  men  returned  to  camp.  Halting  their 
horses  within  the  circle  of  the  fire,  Dorg  Seay  said 
to  the  cook : 

"  Neal,  the  next  time  you  find  a  mare's  nest,  keep 
the  secret  to  yourself.  I  don't  begrudge  losing 
thirty  minutes'  beauty  sleep,  but  I  hate  to  be  scared 
out  of  a  year's  growth.  Have  n't  you  got  cow-sense 
enough  to  know  that  if  those  beeves  had  run,  they  'd 
have  shook  the  earth  ?  If  they  had  stampeded,  that 
alarm  clock  of  yours  would  n't  be  a  circumstance 
to  the  barking  of  the  boys'  guns.  Why,  the  cattle 
have  n't  been  gone  thirty  minutes.  You  can  see 


MINGLING   WITH  THE   EXODUS         55 

where  they  got  up  and  then  quietly  walked  away. 
The  ground  where  they  lay  is  still  steaming  and 
warm.  They  were  watered  a  little  too  soon  yester 
day  and  naturally  got  up  early  this  morning.  The 
boys  on  guard  did  n't  want  to  alarm  the  outfit, 
and  just  allowed  the  beeves  to  graze  off  on  their 
course.  When  day  breaks,  you  '11  see  they  ain't  far 
away,  and  in  the  right  direction.  Parent,  if  I  did  n't 
sabe  cows  better  than  you  do,  I  'd  confine  my  atten 
tion  to  a  cotton  patch." 

Seay  had  read  the  sign  aright.  When  day  dawned 
the  cattle  were  in  plain  view  about  a  mile  distant. 
On  the  return  of  the  last  guard  to  camp,  Vick 
Wolf  explained  the  situation  in  a  few  words.  Dur 
ing  their  watch  the  herd  had  grown  restless,  many 
of  the  cattle  arising ;  and  knowing  that  dawn  was 
near  at  hand,  the  boys  had  pushed  the  sleepy  ones 
off  their  beds  and  started  them  feeding.  The  inci 
dent  had  little  effect  on  the  irrepressible  Parent, 
who  seemed  born  to  blunder,  yet  gifted  with  a 
'sunny  disposition  which  atoned  for  his  numerous 
mistakes. 

With  the  Blue  Mountains  as  our  guiding  star, 
we  kept  to  the  westward  of  that  landmark,  crossing 
the-  Llano  Eiver  opposite  some  Indian  mounds. 
On  reaching  the  divide  between  this  and  the  next 
water,  we  sighted  two  dust-clouds  to  the  west 
ward.  They  were  ten  to  fifteen  miles  distant,  but 
I  was  anxious  to  hear  any  word  of  SponsiHer  or 
Forrest,  and  sent  Jake  Blair  to  make  a  social  call. 


56  THE   OUTLET 

He  did  not  return  until  the  next  day,  and  reported 
the  first  herd  as  from  the  mouth  of  the  Pecos,  and 
the  more  distant  one  as  belonging  to  Jesse  Pres- 
nall.  Blair  had  stayed  all  night  with  the  latter, 
and  while  its  foreman  was  able  to  locate  at  least  a 
dozen  trail  herds  in  close  proximity,  our  two  from 
Uvalde  had  neither  been  seen  nor  heard  of.  Baffled 
again,  necessity  compelled  us  to  turn  within  touch 
of  some  outfitting  point.  The  staples  of  life  were 
running  low  in  our  commissary,  no  opportunity 
having  presented  itself  to  obtain  a  new  supply  since 
we  left  the  ranch  in  Medina  over  a  month  before. 
Consequently,  after  crossing  the  San  Saba,  we  made 
our  first  tack  to  the  eastward. 

Brady  City  was  an  outfitting  point  for  herds  on 
the  old  western  trail.  On  coming  opposite  that 
frontier  village,  Parent  and  I  took  the  wagon  and 
went  in  after  supplies,  leaving  the  herd  on  its  course, 
paralleling  the  former  route.  They  had  instructions 
to  camp  on  Brady  Creek  that  night.  On  reaching 
the  supply  point,  there  was  a  question  if  we  could 
secure  the  simple  staples  needed.  The  drive  that 
year  had  outstripped  all  calculations,  some  half-dozen 
chuck-wagons  being  in  waiting  for  the  arrival  of 
a  freight  outfit  which  was  due  that  morning.  The 
nearest  railroad  was  nearly  a  hundred  miles  to  the 
eastward,  and  all  supplies  must  be  freighted  in  by 
mule  and  ox  teams.  While  waiting  for  the  freight 
wagons,  which  were  in  sight  several  miles  distant, 
I  made  inquiry  of  the  two  outfitting  stores  if  our 


MINGLING   WITH   THE    EXODUS        57 

Buford  herds  had  passed.  If  they  had,  no  dealings 
had  taken  place  on  the  credit  of  Don  Lovell,  though 
both  merchants  knew  him  well.  Before  the  freight 

o 

outfit  arrived,  some  one  took  Abb  Blocker,  a  trail 
foreman  for  his  brother  John,  to  task  for  having 
an  odd  ox  in  his  wheel  team.  The  animal  was  a  raw, 
unbroken  "  7L  "  bull,  surly  and  chafing  under  the 
yoke,  and  attracted  general  attention.  When  sev 
eral  friends  of  Blocker,  noticing  the  brand,  began 
joking  him,  he  made  this  explanation  :  "  No,  I  don't 
claim  him  ;  but  he  came  into  my  herd  the  other 
night  and  got  to  hossing  my  steers  around.  We 
could  n't  keep  him  out,  and  I  thought  if  he  would 
just  go  along,  why  we  'd  put  him  under  the  yoke 
and  let  him  hoss  that  chuck- wagon  to  amuse  him 
self.  One  of  my  wheelers  was  getting  a  little  tender- 
footed,  anyhow." 

On  the  arrival  of  the  freight  outfit,  short  shift 
was  made  in  transferring  a  portion  of  the  cargo  to 
the  waiting  chuck- wagons.  As  we  expected  to  reach 
Abilene,  a  railroad  point,  within  a  week,  we  took 
on  only  a  small  stock  of  staple  supplies.  Having 
helped  ourselves,  the  only  delay  was  in  getting  a 
clerk  to  look  over  our  appropriation,  make  out  an 
itemized  bill,  and  receive  a  draft  on  my  employer. 
When  finally  the  merchant  in  person  climbed  into 
our  wagon  and  took  a  list  of  the  articles,  Parent 
started  back  to  overtake  the  herd.  I  remained 
behind  several  hours,  chatting  with  the  other  fore 
men. 


58  THE   OUTLET 

None  of  the  other  trail  bosses  had  seen  any 
thing  of  Lovell's  other  herds,  though  they  all  knew 
him  personally  or  by  reputation,  and  inquired  if  he 
was  driving  again  in  the  same  road  brand.  By 
general  agreement,  in  case  of  trouble,  we  would 
pick  up  each  other's  cattle  ;  and  from  half  a  cent  to 
a  cent  a  head  was  considered  ample  remuneration 
in  buying  water  in  Texas.  Owing  to  the  fact  that 
many  drovers  had  shipped  to  Red  River,  it  was 
generally  believed  that  there  would  be  no  congestion 
of  cattle  south  of  that  point.  All  herds  were  then 
keeping  well  to  the  westward,  some  even  declaring 
their  intention  to  go  through  the  Panhandle  until 
the  Canadian  was  reached. 

Two  days  later  we  came  into  the  main  trail  at 
the  crossing  of  the  Colorado  River.  Before  we 
reached  it,  several  ominous  dust-clouds  hung  on  our 
right  for  hours,  while  beyond  the  river  were  others, 
indicating  the  presence  of  herds.  Summer  weather 
had  already  set  in,  and  during  the  middle  of  the 
day  the  glare  of  heat-waves  and  mirages  obstructed 
our  view  of  other  wayfarers  like  ourselves,  but 
morning  and  evening  we  were  never  out  of  sight  of 
their  signals.  The  banks  of  the  river  at  the  ford 
were  trampled  to  the  level  of  the  water,  while  at 
both  approach  and  exit  the  ground  was  cut  into 
dust.  On  our  arrival,  the  stage  of  water  was  favor 
able,  and  we  crossed  without  a  halt  of  herd,  horses, 
or  commissary.  But  there  was  little  inducement 
to  follow  the  old  trail.  Washed  into  ruts  by  the 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS        59 

seasons,  the  grass  on  either  side  eaten  away  for 
miles,  there  was  a  look  of  desolation  like  that  to  be 
seen  in  the  wake  of  an  army.  As  we  felt  under  obli 
gations  to  touch  at  Abilene  within  a  few  days,  there 
was  a  constant  skirmish  for  grass  within  a  reason 
able  distance  of  the  trail ;  and  we  were  early,  fully 
two  thirds  of  the  drive  being  in  our  rear.  One 
sultry  morning  south  of  Buffalo  Gap,  as  we  were 
grazing  past  the  foot  of  Table  Mountain,  several 
of  us  rode  to  the  summit  of  that  butte.  From 
a  single  point  of  observation  we  counted  twelve 
herds  within  a  space  of  thirty  miles  both  south  and 
north,  all  moving  in  the  latter  direction. 

When  about  midway  between  the  Gap  and  the 
railroad  we  were  met  at  noon  one  day  by  Don 
Lovell.  This  was  his  first  glimpse  of  my  herd,  and 
his  experienced  eye  took  in  everything  from  a 
broken  harness  to  the  peeling  and  legibility  of  the 
road  brand.  With  me  the  condition  of  the  cattle 
was  the  first  requisite,  but  the  minor  details  as  well 
as  the  more  important  claimed  my  employer's  atten 
tion.  When  at  last,  after  riding  with  the  herd  for 
an  hour,  he  spoke  a  few  words  of  approbation  on 
the  condition,  weight,  and  uniformity  of  the  beeves, 
I  felt  a  load  lifted  from  my  shoulders.  That  the 
old  man  was  in  a  bad  humor  on  meeting  us  was 
evident ;  but  as  he  rode  along  beside  the  cattle,  lazy 
and  large  as  oxen,  the  cockles  of  his  heart  warmed 
and  he  grew  sociable.  Near  the  middle  of  the  after 
noon,  as  we  were  in  the  rear,  looking  over  the  drag 


60  THE   OUTLET 

steers,  he  complimented  me  on  having  the  fewest 
tender-footed  animals  of  any  herd  that  had  passed 
Abilene  since  his  arrival.  Encouraged,  I  ventured 
the  double  question  as  to  how  this  one  would  aver 
age  with  the  other  Buford  herds,  and  did  he  know 
their  whereabouts.  As  I  recall  his  reply,  it  was 
that  all  Nueces  Valley  cattle  were  uniform,  and  if 
there  was  any  difference  it  was  due  to  carelessness 
in  receiving.  In  regard  to  the  locality  of  the  other 
herds,  it  was  easily  to  be  seen  that  he  was  provoked 
about  something. 

"Yes,  I  know  where  they  are,"  said  he,  snap 
pishly,  "  but  that 's  all  the  good  it  'does  me.  They 
crossed  the  railroad,  west,  at  Sweetwater,  about 
a  week  ago.  I  don't  blame  Quince,  for  he 's  just 
trailing  along,  half  a  day  behind  Dave's  herd.  But 
Sponsilier,  knowing  that  I  wanted  to  see  him,  had 
the  nerve  to  write  me  a  postal  card  with  just  ten 
words  on  it,  saying  that  all  was  well  and  to  meet 
him  in  Dodge.  Tom,  you  don't  know  what  a  satis 
faction  it  is  to  me  to  spend  a  day  or  so  with  each 
of  the  herds.  But  those  rascals  did  n't  pay  any 
more  attention  to  me  than  if  I  was  an  old  woman. 
There  was  some  reason  for  it  —  sore-footed  cattle,  or 
else  they  have  skinned  up  their  remudas  and  did  n't 
want  me  to  see  them.  If  I  drive  a  hundred  herds 
hereafter,  Dave  Sponsilier  will  stay  at  home  as  far 
as  I  'm  concerned.  He  may  think  it 's  funny  to  slip 
past,  but  this  court  is  n't  indulging  in  any  levity 
just  at  present.  I  fail  to  see  the  humor  in  having 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS         61 

two  outfits  with  sixty-seven  hundred  cattle  some 
where  between  the  Staked  Plain  and  No-Man's- 
Land,  and  unable  to  communicate  with  them.  And 
while  my  herds  are  all  contracted,  mature  beeves 
have  broke  from  three  to  five  dollars  a  head  in 
price  since  these  started,  and  it  won't  do  to  shout 
before  we're  out  of  the  woods.  Those  fool  boys 
don't  know  that,  and  I  can't  get  near  enough  to 
tell  them." 

I  knew  better  than  to  ask  further  questions  or 
offer  any  apologies  for  others.  My  employer  was 
naturally  irritable,  and  his  abuse  or  praise  of  a 
foreman  was  to  be  expected.  Previously  and  under 
the  smile  of  prosperity,  I  had  heard  him  laud  Spon- 
silier,  and  under  an  imaginary  shadow  abuse  Jim 
Flood,  the  most  experienced  man  in  his  employ. 
Feeling  it  was  useless  to  pour  oil  on  the  present 
troubled  waters,  I  excused  myself,  rode  back,  and 
ordered  the  wagon  to  make  camp  ahead  about  four 
miles  on  Elm  Creek.  We  watered  late  in  the  after 
noon,  grazing  thence  until  time  to  bed  the  herd. 
When  the  first  and  second  guards  were  relieved  to 
go  in  and  catch  night-horses  and  get  their  supper, 
my  employer  remained  behind  with  the  cattle.  While 
feeding  during  the  evening,  we  allowed  the  herd  to 
scatter  over  a  thousand  acres.  Taking  advantage  of 
the  loose  order  of  the  beeves,  the  old  man  rode  back 
and  forth  through  them  until  approaching  darkness 
compelled  us  to  throw  them  together  on  the .  bed- 
ground.  Even  after  the  first  guard  took  charge,  the 


62  THE   OUTLET 

drover  loitered  behind,  reluctant  to  leave  until  the 
last  steer  had  lain  down ;  and  all  during  the  night, 
sharing  my  blankets,  he  awoke  on  every  change  of 
guards,  inquiring  of  the  returning  watch  how  the 
cattle  were  sleeping. 

As  we  should  easily  pass  Abilene  before  noon,  I 
asked  him  as  a  favor  that  he  take  the  wagon  in  and 
get  us  sufficient  supplies  to  last  until  Red  River  was 
reached.  But  he  preferred  to  remain  behind  with 
the  herd,  and  I  went  instead.  This  suited  me,  as  his 
presence  overawed  my  outfit,  who  were  delirious  to 
see  the  town.  There  was  no  telling  how  long  he 
would  have  stayed  with  us,  but  my  brother  Bob's 
herd  was  expected  at  any  time.  Remaining  with  us 
a  second  night,  something,  possibly  the  placidness 
of  the  cattle,  mellowed  the  old  man  and  he  grew 
amiable  with  the  outfit,  and  myself  in  particular. 
At  breakfast  the  next  morning,  when  I  asked  him 
if  he  was  in  a  position  to  recommend  any  special 
route,  he  replied : 

"  No,  Tom,  that  rests  with  you.  One  thing 's 
certain ;  herds  are  going  to  be  dangerously  close 
together  on  the  regular  trail  which  crosses  Red 
River  at  Doan's.  The  season  is  early  yet,  but  over 
fifty  herds  have  already  crossed  the  Texas  Pacific 
Railway.  Allowing  one  half  the  herds  to  start  north 
of  that  line,  it  gives  you  a  fair  idea  what  to  expect. 
When  seven  hundred  thousand  cattle  left  Texas 
two  years  ago,  it  was  considered  the  banner  year, 
yet  it  won't  be  a  marker  to  this  one.  The  way 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS         63 

prices  are  tumbling  shows  that  the  Northwest  was 
bluffing  when  they  offered  to  mature  all  the  cattle 
that  Texas  could  breed  for  the  next  fifty  years. 
That  's  the  kind  of  talk  that  suits  me,  but  last  year 
there  were  some  forty  herds  unsold,  which  were 
compelled  to  winter  in  the  North.  Not  over  half 
the  saddle  horses  that  came  up  the  trail  last  sum 
mer  were  absorbed  by  these  Northern  cowmen. 
Talk  's  cheap,  but  it  takes  money  to  buy  whiskey. 
Lots  of  these  men  are  new  ones  at  the  business  and 
may  lose  fortunes.  The  banks  are  getting  afraid  of 
cattle  paper,  and  conditions  are  tightening.  With 
the  increased  drive  this  year,  if  the  summer  passes 
without  a  slaughter  in  prices,  the  Texas  drovers 
can  thank  their  lucky  stars.  I  'm  not  half  as  bright 
as  I  might  be,  but  this  is  one  year  that  I  'm  smooth 
enough  not  to  have  unsold  cattle  on  the  trail." 

The  herd  had  started  an  hour  before,  and  when 
the  wagon  was  ready  to  move,  I  rode  a  short  dis 
tance  with  my  employer.  It  was  possible  that  he  had 
something  to  say  of  a  confidential  nature,  for  it 
was  seldom  that  he  acted  so  discouraged  when  his 
every  interest  seemed  protected  by  contracts.  But 
at  the  final  parting,  when  we  both  had  dismounted 
and  sat  on  the  ground  for  an  hour,  he  had  disclosed 
nothing.  On  the  contrary,  he  even  admitted  that 
possibly  it  was  for  the  best  that  the  other  Buford 
herds  had  held  a  westward  course  and  thus  avoided 
the  crush  on  the  main  routes.  The  only  intimation 
which  escaped  him  was  when  we  had  remounted 


64  THE   OUTLET 

and  each  started  our  way,  he  called  me  back  and 
said,  "  Tom,  no  doubt  but  you  've  noticed  that  I  'm 
worried.  Well,  I  am.  I  'd  tell  you  in  a  minute, 
but  I  may  be  wrong  in  the  matter.  But  I  '11  know 
before  you  reach  Dodge,  and  then,  if  it 's  necessary, 
you  shall  know  all.  It 's  nothing  about  the  handling 
of  the  herds,  for  my  foremen  have  always  consid 
ered  my  interests  first.  Keep  this  to  yourself,  for 
it  may  prove  a  nightmare.  But  if  it  should  prove 
true,  then  we  must  stand  together.  Now,  that 's  all ; 
mum  's  the  word  until  we  meet.  Drop  me  a  line  if 
you  get  a  chance,  and  don't  let  my  troubles  worry 
you." 

While  overtaking  the  herd,  I  mused  over  my 
employer's  last  words.  But  my  brain  was  too  muddy 
even  to  attempt  to  solve  the  riddle.  The  most 
plausible  theory  that  I  could  advance  was  that 
some  friendly  cowmen  were  playing  a  joke  on  him, 
and  that  the  old  man  had  taken  things  too  seriously. 
Within  a  week  the  matter  was  entirely  forgotten, 
crowded  out  of  mind  by  the  demands  of  the  hour. 
The  next  night,  on  the  Clear  Fork  of  the  Brazos, 
a  stranger,  attracted  by  our  camp-fire,  rode  up  to 
the  wagon.  Returning  from  the  herd  shortly  after 
his  arrival,  I  recognized  in  our  guest  John  Blocker, 
a  prominent  drover.  He  informed  us  that  he  and  his 
associates  had  fifty-two  thousand  cattle  on  the  trail, 
and  that  he  was  just  returning  from  overtaking 
two  of  their  five  lead  herds.  Knowing  that  lie  was 
a  well-posted  cowman  on  routes  and  sustenance, 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS         65 

having  grown  up  on  the  trail,  I  gave  him  the  best 
our  camp  afforded,  and  in  return  I  received  valuable 
information  in  regard  to  the  country  between  our 
present  location  and  Doan's  Crossing.  He  reported 
the  country  for  a  hundred  miles  south  of  Red  River 
as  having  had  a  dry,  backward  spring,  scanty  of 
grass,  and  with  long  dry  drives ;  and  further,  that 
in  many  instances  water  for  the  herds  would  have 
to  be  bought  from  those  in  control. 

The  outlook  was  not  to  my  liking.  The  next 
morning  when  I  inquired  of  our  guest  what  he 
would  advise  me  to  do,  his  answer  clearly  covered 
the  ground.  "  Well,  I  'm  not  advising  any  one,"  said 
he,  "  but  you  can  draw  your  own  conclusions.  The 
two  herds  of  mine,  which  I  overtook,  have  orders 
to  turn  northeast  and  cross  into  the  Nations  at  Red 
River  Station.  My  other  cattle,  still  below,  will  all 
be  routed  by  way  of  Fort  Griffin.  Once  across  Red 
River,  you  will  have  the  Chisholm  Trail,  running 
through  civilized  tribes,  and  free  from  all  annoy 
ance  of  blanket  Indians.  South  of  the  river  the 
grass  is  bound  to  be  better  than  on  the  western 
route,  and  if  we  have  to  buy  water,  we  '11  have  the 
advantage  of  competition." 

With  this  summary  of  the  situation,  a  decision 
was  easily  reached.  The  Chisholm  Trail  was  good 
enough  for  me.  Following  up  the  north  side  of  the 
Clear  Fork,  we  passed  about  twenty  miles  to  the 
west  of  Fort  Griffin.  Constantly  bearing  east'  by 
north,  a  few  days  later  we  crossed  the  main  Brazos 


66  THE   OUTLET 

at  a  low  stage  of  water.  But  from  there  to  Ked 
River  was  a  trial  not  to  be  repeated.  Wire  fences 
halted  us  at  every  turn.  Owners  of  pastures  refused 
permission  to  pass  through.  Lanes  ran  in  the  wrong 
direction,  and  open  country  for  pasturage  was  scarce. 
What  we  dreaded  most,  lack  of  drink  for  the  herd, 
was  the  least  of  our  troubles,  necessity  requiring  its 
purchase  only  three  or  four  times.  And  like  a  cli 
max  to  a  week  of  sore  trials,  when  we  were  in  sight 
of  Red  River  a  sand  and  dust  storm  struck  us, 
blinding  both  men  and  herd  for  hours.  The  beeves 
fared  best,  for  with  lowered  heads  they  turned  their 
backs  to  the  howling  gale,  while  the  horsemen 
caught  it  on  every  side.  The  cattle  drifted  at  will 
in  an  uncontrollable  mass.  The  air  was  so  filled 
with  sifting  sand  and  eddying  dust  that  it  was 
impossible  to  see  a  mounted  man  at  a  distance  of 
fifty  yards.  The  wind  blew  a  hurricane,  making  it 
impossible  to  dismount  in  the  face  of  it.  Our  horses 
trembled  with  fear,  unsteady  on  their  feet.  The 
very  sky  overhead  darkened  as  if  night  was  falling. 
Two  thirds  of  the  men  threw  themselves  in  the  lead 
of  the  beeves,  firing  six-shooters  to  check  them, 
which  could  not  even  be  heard  by  the  ones  on  the 
flank  and  in  the  rear.  Once  the  herd  drifted  against 
a  wire  fence,  leveled  it  down  and  moved  on,  sullen 
but  irresistible.  Towards  evening  the  storm  abated, 
and  half  the  outfit  was  sent  out  in  search  of  the 
wagon,  which  was  finally  found  about  dark  some 
four  miles  distant. 


MINGLING   WITH   THE   EXODUS        67 

That  night  Owen  Ubery,  as  he  bathed  his  blood 
shot  eyes  in  a  pail  of  water,  said  to  the  rest  of  us : 
"  Fellows,  if  ever  I  have  a  boy,  and  tell  him  how 
his  pa  suffered  this  afternoon,  and  he  don't  cry, 
I  '11  cut  a  switch  and  whip  him  until  he  does." 


CHAPTER  V 
RED  RIVER   STATION 

WHEN  the  spirit  of  a  man  is  once  broken,  he  be 
comes  useless.  On  the  trail  it  is  necessary  to  have 
some  diversion  from  hard  work,  long  hours,  and 
exposure  to  the  elements.  With  man  and  beast, 
from  the  Brazos  to  Red  River  was  a  fire  test  of 
physical  endurance.  But  after  crossing  into  the 
Chickasaw  Nation,  a  comparatively  new  country 
would  open  before  us.  When  the  strain  of  the  past 
week  was  sorest,  in  buoying  up  the  spirits  of  my 
outfit,  I  had  promised  them  rest  and  recreation  at 
the  first  possible  opportunity. 

Fortunately  we  had  an  easy  ford.  There  was  not 
even  an  indication  that  there  had  been  a  freshet 
on  the  river  that  spring.  This  was  tempering  the 
wind,  for  we  were  crippled,  three  of  the  boys  being 
unable  to  resume  their  places  around  the  herd  on 
account  of  inflamed  eyes.  The  cook  had  weathered 
the  sand-storm  better  than  any  of  us.  Sheltering 
his  team,  and  fastening  his  wagon-sheet  securely,  he 
took  refuge  under  it  until  the  gale  had  passed.  Press 
ing  him  into  the  service  the  next  morning,  and 
assigning  him  to  the  drag  end  of  the  herd,  I  left  the 
blind  to  lead  the  blind  in  driving  the  wagon.  On 


RED   RIVER   STATION  69 

reaching  the  river  about  the  middle  of  the  forenoon, 
we  trailed  the  cattle  across  in  a  long  chain,  not  an 
animal  being  compelled  to  swim.  The  wagon  was 
carried  over  on  a  ferryboat,  as  it  was  heavily  loaded, 
a  six  weeks'  supply  of  provisions  having  been  taken 
on  before  crossing.  Once  the  trail  left  the  breaks, 
on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  we  drew  off  several 
miles  to  the  left  and  went  into  camp  for  the  re 
mainder  of  the  day.  Still  keeping  clear  of  the 
trail,  daily  we  moved  forward  the  wagon  from  three 
to  five  miles,  allowing  the  cattle  to  graze  and  rest  to 
contentment.  The  herd  recuperated  rapidly,  and  by 
the  evening  of  the  fourth  day  after  crossing,  the 
inflammation  was  so  reduced  in  those  whose  eyes 
were  inflamed,  that  we  decided  to  start  in  earnest 
the  next  morning. 

The  cook  was  ordered  to  set  out  the  best  the 
wagon  afforded,  several  outside  delicacies  were 
added,  and  a  feast  was  in  sight.  G — G  Cederdall 
had  recrossed  the  river  that  day  to  mail  a  letter,  and 
on  his  return  proudly  carried  a  basket  of  eggs  on  his 
arm.  Three  of  the  others  had  joined  a  seining  party 
from  the  Texas  side,  and  had  come  in  earlier  in 
the  day  with  a  fine  string  of  fish.  Parent  won  new 
laurels  in  the  supper  to  which  he  invited  us  about 
sundown.  The  cattle  came  in  to  their  beds  groan 
ing  and  satiated,  and  dropped  down  as  if  ordered. 
When  the  first  watch  had  taken  them,  there  was 
nothing  to  do  but  sit  around  and  tell  stories.  Since 
crossing  Red  River,  we  had  slept  almost  night 


70  THE   OUTLET 

and  day,  but  in  that  balmy  May  evening  sleep  was 
banished.  The  fact  that  we  were  in  the  Indian  coun 
try,  civilized  though  the  Indians  were,  called  forth 
many  an  incident.  The  raids  of  the  Comanches 
into  the  Panhandle  country  during  the  buffalo 
days  was  a  favorite  topic.  Vick  Wolf,  however,  had 
had  an  Indian  experience  in  the  North  with  which 
he  regaled  us  at  the  first  opportunity. 

"  There  is  n't  any  trouble  nowadays,"  said  he, 
lighting  a  cigarette,  "  with  these  blanket  Indians 
on  the  reservations.  I  had  an  experience  once  on 
a  reservation  where  the  Indians  could  have  got  me 
easy  enough  if  they  had  been  on  the  war-path.  It 
was  the  first  winter  I  ever  spent  on  a  Northern 
range,  having  gone  up  to  the  Cherokee  Strip  to 
avoid  —  well,  no  matter.  I  got  a  job  in  the  Strip, 
not  riding,  but  as  a  kind  of  an  all-round  rustler. 
This  was  long  before  the  country  was  fenced,  and 
they  rode  lines  to  keep  the  cattle  on  their  ranges. 
One  evening  about  nightfall  in  December,  the  worst 
kind  of  a  blizzard  struck  us  that  the  country  had 
ever  seen.  The  next  day  it  was  just  as  bad,  and 
bloody  cold.  A  fellow  could  not  see  any  distance, 
and  to  venture  away  from  the  dugout  meant  to  get 
lost.  The  third  day  she  broke  and  the  sun  came 
out  clear  in  the  early  evening.  The  next  day  we 
managed  to  gather  the  saddle  horses,  as  they  had 
not  drifted  like  the  cattle. 

"  Well,  we  were  three  days  overtaking  the  lead 
of  that  cattle  drift,  and  then  found  them  in  the 


RED   RIVER   STATION  71 

heart  of  the  Cheyenne  country,  at  least  on  that 
reservation.  They  had  drifted  a  good  hundred 
miles  before  the  storm  broke.  Every  outfit  in  the 
Strip  had  gone  south  after  their  cattle.  Instead  of 
drifting  them  back  together,  the  different  ranches 
rustled  for  their  own.  Some  of  the  foremen  paid 
the  Indians  so  much  per  head  to  gather  for  them, 
but  ours  did  n't.  The  braves  were  n't  very  much 
struck  on  us  on  that  account.  I  was  cooking  for  the 

O 

outfit,  which  suited  me  in  winter  weather.  We  had 
a  permanent  camp  on  a  small  well-wooded  creek, 
from  which  we  worked  all  the  country  round. 

"  One  afternoon  when  I  was  in  ca*mp  all  alone,  I 
noticed  an  Indian  approaching  me  from  out  of  the 
timber.  There  was  a  Winchester  standing  against 
the  wagon  wheel,  but  as  the  bucks  were  making  no 
trouble,  I  gave  the  matter  no  attention.  Mr.  Injun 
came  up  to  the  fire  and  professed  to  be  very  friendly, 
shook  hands,  and  spoke  quite  a  number  of  words 
in  English.  After  he  got  good  and  warm,  he  looked 
all  over  the  wagon,  and  noticing  that  I  had  no  six- 
shooter  on,  he  picked  up  the  carbine  and  walked 
out  about  a  hundred  yards  to  a  little  knoll,  threw 
his  arms  in  the  air,  and  made  signs. 

"  Instantly,  out  of  the  cover  of  some  timber  on 
the  creek  a  quarter  above,  came  about  twenty  young 
bucks,  mounted,  and  yelling  like  demons.  When 
they  came  up,  they  began  circling  around  the  fire 
and  wagon.  I  was  sitting  on  an  empty  corn-Crate 
by  the  fire.  One  young  buck,  seeing  that  I  was  not 


72  THE   OUTLET 

scaring  to  suit  him,  unslung  a  carbine  as  lie  rode, 
and  shot  into  the  fire  before  me.  The  bullet  threw 
fire  and  ashes  all  over  me,  and  I  jumped  about 
ten  feet,  which  suited  them  better.  They  circled 
around  for  several  minutes,  every  one  uncovering 
a  carbine,  and  they  must  have  fired  a  hundred 
and  fifty  shots  into  the  fire.  In  fact  they  almost 
shot  it  out,  scattering  the  fire  around  so  that  it 
came  near  burning  up  the  bedding  of  our  outfit. 
I  was  scared  thoroughly  by  this  time.  If  it  was 
possible  for  me  to  have  had  fits,  I  'd  have  had  one 
sure.  The  air  seemed  full  of  coals  of  fire  and  ashes. 
I  got  good  practical  insight  into  what  hell 's  like. 
I  was  rustling  the  rolls  of  bedding  out  of  the  circle 
of  fire,  expecting  every  moment  would  be  my  last. 
It 's  a  wonder  I  was  n't  killed.  Were  they  throw 
ing  lead  ?  Well,  I  should  remark !  You  see  the 
ground  was  not  frozen  around  the  fire,  and  the 
bullets  buried  themselves  in  the  soft  soil. 

"  After  they  had  had  as  much  fun  as  they  wanted, 
the  leader  gave  a  yell  and  they  all  circled  the  other 
way  once,  and  struck  back  into  the  timber.  Some 
of  them  had  brought  up  the  decoy  Indian's  horse 
when  they  made  the  dash  at  first,  and  he  suddenly 
turned  as  wild  as  a  Cheyenne  generally  gets.  When 
the  others  were  several  hundred  yards  away,  he 
turned  his  horse,  rode  back  some  little  distance,  and 
attracted  my  attention  by  holding  out  the  Winches 
ter.  From  his  horse  he  laid  it  carefully  down  on  the 
ground,  whirled  his  pony,  and  rode  like  a  scared 


RED   RIVER   STATION  73 

wolf  after  the  others.  I  could  hear  their  yells  for 
miles,  as  they  made  for  their  encampment  over  on 
the  North  Fork.  As  soon  as  I  got  the  fire  under 
control,  I  went  out  and  got  the  carbine.  It  was 
empty ;  the  Indian  had  used  its  magazine  in  the 
general  hilarity.  That  may  be  an  Indian's  style 
of  fun,  but  I  failed  to  see  where  there  was  any  in 
it  for  me." 

The  cook  threw  a  handful  of  oily  fish-bones  on 
the  fire,  causing  it  to  flame  up  for  a  brief  moment. 
With  the  exception  of  Wayne  Outcault,  who  was 
lying  prone  on  the  ground,  the  men  were  smoking 
and  sitting  Indian  fashion  around  the  fire.  After 
rolling  awhile  uneasily,  Outcault  sat  up  and  re 
marked,  "  I  feel  about  half  sick.  Eat  too  much  ? 
Don't  you  think  it.  Why,  I  only  ate  seven  or  eight 
of  those  fish,  and  that  ought  n't  to  hurt  a  baby. 
There  was  only  half  a  dozen  hard-boiled  eggs  to  the 
man,  and  I  don't  remember  of  any  of  you  being 
so  generous  as  to  share  yours  with  me.  Those  few 
plates  of  prunes  that  I  ate  for  dessert  would  n't 
hurt  nobody  —  they  're  medicine  to  some  folks. 
Unroll  our  bed,  pardner,  and  I  '11  thrash  around 
on  it  awhile." 

Several  trail  stories  of  more  or  less  interest  were 
told,  when  Runt  Pickett,  in  order  to  avoid  the 
smoke,  came  over  and  sat  down  between  Burl  Van 
Vedder  and  me.  He  had  had  an  experience,  and 
instantly  opened  on  us  at  short  range.  "  Speaking 
of  stampedes,"  said  Runt,  "  reminds  me  of  a  run 


74  THE   OUTLET 

I  was  in,  and  over  which  I  was  paid  by  my  employer 
a  very  high  compliment.  My  first  trip  over  the 
trail,  as  far  north  as  Dodge,  was  in  '78.  The  herd 
sold  next  day  after  reaching  there,  and  as  I  had  an 
old  uncle  and  aunt  living  in  middle  Kansas,  I  con 
cluded  to  run  down  and  pay  them  a  short  visit.  So 
I  threw  away  all  my  trail  togs  —  well,  they  were 
worn  out,  anyway  —  and  bought  me  a  new  outfit 
complete.  Yes,  I  even  bought  button  shoes.  After 
visiting  a  couple  of  weeks  with  my  folks,  I  drifted 
back  to  Dodge  in  the  hope  of  getting  in  with  some 
herd  bound  farther  north  —  I  was  perfectly  use 
less  on  a  farm.  On  my  return  to  Dodge,  the  only 
thing  about  me  that  indicated  a  cow-hand  was 
my  Texas  saddle  and  outfit,  but  in  toggery,  in  my 
visiting  harness,  I  looked  like  a  rank  tenderfoot. 

"  Well,  boys,  the  first  day  I  struck  town  I  met 
a  through  man  looking  for  hands.  His  herd  had 
just  come  in  over  the  Chisholm  Trail,  crossing  to  the 
western  somewhere  above.  He  was  disgusted  with 
his  outfit,  and  was  discharging  men  right  and  left 
and  hiring  new  ones  to  take  their  places.  I  apo 
logized  for  my  appearance,  showed  him  my  outfit, 
and  got  a  job  cow-punching  with  this  through  man. 
He  expected  to  hold  on  sale  a  week  or  two,  when  if 
unsold  he  would  drift  north  to  the  Platte.  The  first 
week  that  I  worked,  a  wet  stormy  night  struck  us, 
and  before  ten  o'clock  we  lost  every  hoof  of  cattle. 
I  was  riding  wild  after  little  squads  of  cattle  here 
and  there,  guided  by  flashes  of  lightning,  when  the 


RED   RIVER   STATION  75 

storm  finally  broke.  Well,  there  it  was  midnight, 
and  I  did  n't  have  a  hoof  of  cattle  to  hold  and  no 
one  to  help  me  if  I  had.  The  truth  is,  I  was  lost. 
Common  horse-sense  told  me  that ;  but  where  the 
outfit  or  wagon  was  was  anybody's  guess.  The 
horses  in  my  mount  were  as  good  as  worthless  ; 
worn  out,  and  if  you  gave  one  free  rein  he  lacked 
the  energy  to  carry  you  back  to  camp.  I  ploughed 
around  in  the  darkness  for  over  an  hour,  but  finally 
came  to  a  sudden  stop  on  the  banks  of  the  muddy 
Arkansaw.  Right  there  I  held  a  council  of  war 
with  myself,  the  decision  of  which  was  that  it  was 
at  least  five  miles  to  the  wagon. 

"  After  I  'd  prowled  around  some  little  time, 
a  bright  flash  of  lightning  revealed  to  me  an  old 
deserted  cabin  a  few  rods  below.  To  this  shelter 
1  turned  without  even  a  bid,  unsaddled  my  horse 
and  picketed  him,  and  turned  into  the  cabin  for 
the  night.  Early  the  next  morning  I  was  out  and 
saddled  my  horse,  and  the  question  was,  Which 
way  is  camp?  As  soon  as  the  sun  rose  clearly, 
I  got  my  bearings.  By  my  reasoning,  if  the  river 
yesterday  was  south  of  camp,  this  morning  the 
wagon  must  be  north  of  the  river,  so  I  headed  in 
that  direction.  Somehow  or  other  I  stopped  my 
horse  on  the  first  little  knoll,  and  looking  back 
towards  the  bottom,  I  saw  in  a  horseshoe  which  the 
river  made  a  large  bunch  of  cattle.  Of  course  I 
knew  that  all  herds  near  about  were  through  cattle 
and  under  herd,  and  the  absence  of  any  men  in  sight 


76  THE   OUTLET 

aronsed  my  curiosity.  I  concluded  to  investigate  it, 
and  riding  back  found  over  five  hundred  head  of 
the  cattle  we  had  lost  the  night  before.  *  Here^s 
a  chance  to  make  a  record  with  my  new  boss,' 
I  said  to  myself,  and  circling  in  behind,  began 
drifting  them  out  of  the  bottoms  towards  the 
uplands.  By  ten  o'clock  I  had  got  them  to  the  first 
divide,  when  who  should  ride  up  but  the  owner,  the 
old  cowman  himself  —  the  sure  enough  big  anger. 

•  •  •  Well  son,'  said  my  boss.  *  you  held  some  of 
them,  did  n't  you.'"  'Yes.'  I  replied,  surly  as  I 
could,  giving  him  a  mean  look.  *  I  "ve  nearly  ridden 
this  horse  to  death,  holding  this  bunch  all  night. 
If  I  had  only  had  a  good  man  or  two  with  me,  we 
could  have  caught  twice  as  many.  What  kind  of 
an  outfit  are  yon  working,  anyhow.  Captain  ? "  And 
at  dinner  that  day.  the  boss  pointed  me  out  to  the 
others  and  said.  -That  little  fellow  standing  over 
there  with  the  button  shoes  on  is  the  only  man  in 
my  outfit  that  is  worth  a ."  " 

The  cook  had  finished  his  work,  and  now  joined 
the  circle.  Parent  began  regaling  us  with  personal 
experiences,  in  which  it  was  evident  that  he  would 
prove  the  hero.  Fortunately,  however,  we  were 
spared  listening  to  his  self-laudation.  Dorg  Seay 
and  Tim  Stanley,  bunkies,  engaged  in  a  friendly 
y«fM<s  each  trying  to  make  the  other  get  a  fire 
brand  for  his  pipe.  In  the  tnssle  which  f ollowed. 
we  were  all  compelled  to  give  way  or  get  trampled 
underfoot.  When  both  had  exhausted  themselves 


RED    RIVER    STATION  7 7 

resumed  oar  places  around  the   fire. 


kg  liis  seat  refused,  to  continue  nis  story  at 

nest  of  the  offenders,  replying.  "The  more 

YOU  two  varmints  the  more  yon  remind  me 


Once  the  cook  refused  to  pick  np  the  broken 
thread  of  his  story,  John  Levering,  onr  horse- 
wrangler,  preempted  the  vacated  post-  ••  I  was  over 
in  Louisiana  a  few  winters  ago  with  a  horse  herd,'9 
said  John,  "  and  had  a  few  experiences.  Of  all  the 
simple  people  that  I  ever  met,  the  'Cajin'  takes  the 
bakery.  Ton  11  meet  darkies  over  there  that  can't 
speak  a  word  of  anything  hot  French.  It 's  nothing 
to  see  a  cow  and  mule  harnessed  together  to  a  cart. 
One  day  on  the  road,  I  met  a  man.  old  enough  to 
be  my  father,  and  inquired  of  him  how  far  it  was 
to  the  parish  centre,  a  large  town.  He  did  n't  know, 
except  it  was  a  long,  long  ways.  He  had  never  been 
there,  but  his  older  brother,  once  when  he  was  a 
young  man,  had  been  there  as  a  witness  at  court. 
The  brother  was  dead  now.  but  if  he  was  living  and 
present,  it  was  quite  possible  that  he  would  remem 
ber  the  distance.  The  best  information  was  that 
it  was  a  very  long  ways  off.  I  rode  it  in  the  mud  in 
less  than  two  hours  ;  just  about  ten  miles. 

•*  But  that  wasn't  a  circumstance  to  other  expe 
riences.  We  had  driven  about  three  hundred  horses 
and  moles,  and  after  disposing  of  over  two  thirds  of 
them,  my  employer  was  compelled  to  return  home, 


78  THE   OUTLET 

leaving  me  to  dispose  of  the  remainder.  I  was  a 
fair  salesman,  and  rather  than  carry  the  remnant 
of  the  herd  with  me,  made  headquarters  with  a  man 
who  owned  a  large  cane-brake  pasture.  It  was 
a  convenient  stopping-place,  and  the  stock  did  well 
on  the  young  cane.  Every  week  I  would  drive  to 
some  distant  town  eighteen  or  twenty  head,  or  as 
many  as  I  could  handle  alone.  Sometimes  I  would 
sell  out  in  a  few  days,  and  then  again  it  would  take 
me  longer.  But  when  possible  I  always  made  it  a 
rule  to  get  back  to  my  headquarters  to  spend  Sun 
day.  The  owner  of  the  cane-brake  and  his  wife 
were  a  simple  couple,  and  just  a  shade  or  two  above 
the  Arcadians.  But  they  had  a  daughter  who  could 
pass  muster,  and  she  took  quite  a  shine  to  the 
4  Texas-Hoss-Man,'  as  they  called  me.  I  reckon 
you  understand  now  why  I  made  that  headquar 
ters  ?  —  there  were  other  reasons  besides  the  good 
pasturage. 

"  Well,  the  girl  and  her  mother  both  could 
read,  but  I  have  some  doubt  about  the  old  man  on 
that  score.  They  took  no  papers,  and  the  nearest 
approach  to  a  book  in  the  house  was  an  almanac 
three  years  old.  The  women  folks  were  ravenous 
for  something  to  read,  and  each  time  on  my  return 
after  selling  out,  I  'd  bring  them  a  whole  bundle 
of  illustrated  papers  and  magazines.  About  my 
fourth  return  after  more  horses,  —  I  was  mighty 
near  one  of  the  family  by  that  time,  —  when  we 
were  all  seated  around  the  fire  one  night,  the 


RED   RIVER    STATION.  79 

women  poring  over  the  papers  and  admiring  the 
pictures,  the  old  man  inquired  what  the  news  was 
over  in  the  parish  where  I  had  recently  been.  The 
only  thing  that  I  could  remember  was  the  suicide 
of  a  prominent  man.  After  explaining  the  circum 
stances,  I  went  on  to  say  that  some  little  bitterness 
arose  over  his  burial.  Owing  to  his  prominence  it 
was  thought  permission  would  be  given  to  bury 
him  in  the  churchyard.  But  it  seems  there  was 
some  superstition  about  permitting  a  self-murderer 
to  be  buried  in  the  same  field  as  decent  folks.  It 
was  none  of  my  funeral,  and  I  did  n't  pay  over 
much  attention  to  the  matter,  but  the  authorities 
refused,  and  they  buried  him  just  outside  the 
grounds,  in  the  woods. 

"  My  host  and  I  discussed  the  matter  at  some 
length.  He  contended  that  if  the  man  was  not  of 
sound  mind,  he  should  have,  been  given  his  little 
six  feet  of  earth  among  the  others.  A  horse  sales 
man  has  to  be  a  good  second-rate  talker,  and  being 
anxious  to  show  off  before  the  girl,  I  differed  with  her 
father.  The  argument  grew  spirited  yet  friendly, 
and  I  appealed  to  the  women  in  supporting  my 
view.  My  hostess  was  absorbed  at  the  time  in 
reading  a  sensational  account  of  a  woman  shooting 
her  betrayer.  The  illustrations  covered  a  whole 
page,  and  the  girl  was  simply  burning,  at  short 
range,  the  shirt  from  off  her  seducer.  The  old  lady 
was  bogged  to  the  saddle  skirts  in  the  story,  when 
I  interrupted  her  and  inquired,  '  Mother,  what  do 


80  THE   OUTLET 

you  think  ought  to  be  done  with  a  man  who  commits 
suicide  ?  '  She  lowered  the  paper  just  for  an  in 
stant,  and  looking  over  her  spectacles  at  me  replied, 
4  Well,  I  think  any  man  who  would  do  that  ought 
to  be  made  to  support  the  child.' " 

No  comment  was  offered.  Our  wrangler  arose 
and  strolled  away  from  the  fire  under  the  pretense 
of  repicketing  his  horse.  It  was  nearly  time  for  the 
guards  to  change,  and  giving  the  last  watch  orders 
to  point  the  herd,  as  they  left  the  bed-ground  in 
the  morning,  back  on  an  angle  towards  the  trail, 
I  prepared  to  turn  in.  While  I  was  pulling  off  my 
boots  in  the  act  of  retiring,  Clay  Zilligan  rode  in 
from  the  herd  to  call  the  relief.  The  second  guard 
were  bridling  their  horses,  and  as  Zilligan  dis 
mounted,  he  said  to  the  circle  of  listeners,  "  Did  n't 
I  tell  you  fellows  that  there  was  another  herd  just 
ahead  of  us  ?  I  don't  care  if  they  did  n't  pass  up 
the  trail  since  we  've  been  laying  over,  they  are 
there  just  the  same.  Of  course  you  can't  see  their 
camp-fire  from  here,  but  it 's  in  plain  view  from  the 
bed-ground,  and  not  over  four  or  five  miles  away. 
If  I  remember  rightly,  there  's  a  local  trail  comes 
in  from  the  south  of  the  Wichita  River,  and  joins 
the  Chisholm  just  ahead.  And  what 's  more,  that 
herd  was  there  at  nine  o'clock  this  morning,  and 
they  have  n't  moved  a  peg  since.  Well,  there 's  two 
lads  out  there  waiting  to  be  relieved,  and  you  sec 
ond  guard  know  where  the  cattle  are  bedded." 


CHAPTER  VI 
CAMP  SUPPLY 

IN  gala  spirits  we  broke  camp  the  next  morning. 
The  herd  had  left  the  bed-ground  at  dawn,  and  as 
the  outfit  rode  away  to  relieve  the  last  guard,  every 
mother's  son  was  singing.  The  cattle  were  a  re 
freshing  sight  as  they  grazed  forward,  their  ragged 
front  covering  half  a  mile  in  width.  The  rest  of 
the  past  few  days  had  been  a  boon  to  the  few  ten 
der-footed  ones.  The  lay-over  had  rejuvenated  both 
man  and  beast.  From  maps  in  our  possession  we 
knew  we  were  somewhere  near  the  western  border 
of  the  Chickasaw  Nation,  while  on  our  left  was  the 
reservation  of  three  blanket  tribes  of  Indians.  But 
as  far  as  signs  of  occupancy  were  concerned,  the 
country  was  unmarked  by  any  evidence  of  civiliza 
tion.  The  Chisholm  Cattle  Trail,  which  ran  from 
Eed  River  to  the  Kansas  line,  had  almost  fallen 
into  disuse,  owing  to  encroachments  of  settlements 
south  of  the  former  and  westward  on  the  latter. 
With  the  advancement  of  immigration,  Abilene 
and  Ellsworth  as  trail  terminals  yielded  to  the  tide, 
and  the  leading  cattle  trace  of  the  '70's  was  rele 
gated  to  local  use  in  '84. 

The  first  guard  was  on  the  qui  vive  for  the  outfit 


82  THE   OUTLET 

whose  camp-fire  they  had  sighted  the  night  before. 
I  was  riding  with  Clay  Zilligan  on  the  left  point, 
when  he  sighted  what  we  supposed  was  a  small 
bunch  of  cattle  lying  down  several  miles  distant. 
When  we  reached  the  first  rise  of  ground,  a  band 
of  saddle  horses  came  in  view,  and  while  we  were 
trying  to  locate  their  camp,  Jack  Splann  from  the 
opposite  point  attracted  our  attention  and  pointed 
straight  ahead.  There  a  large  band  of  cattle  under 
herd  greeted  our  view,  compelling  us  to  veer  to 
the  right  and  intersect  the  trail  sooner  than  we 
intended.  Keeping  a  clear  half-mile  between  us, 
we  passed  them  within  an  hour  and  exchanged 
the  compliments  of  the  trail.  They  proved  to  be 
"Laurel  Leaf  "  and  "  Running  W  "  cattle,  the  very 
ones  for  which  the  International  Railway  agent  at 
the  meeting  in  February  had  so  boastfully  shown  my 
employer  the  application  for  cars.  The  foreman  was 
cursing  like  a  stranded  pirate  over  the  predicament 
in  which  he  found  himself.  He  had  left  Santo 
Gertrudo  Ranch  over  a  month  before  with  a  herd 
of  three  thousand  straight  two-year-old  steers.  But 
in  the  shipment  of  some  thirty-three  thousand 
cattle  from  the  two  ranches  to  Wichita  Falls,  six 
trains  had  been  wrecked,  two  of  which  were  his 
own.  Instead  of  being  hundreds  of  miles  ahead  in 
the  lead  of  the  year's  drive,  as  he  expected,  he  now 
found  himself  in  charge  of  a  camp  of  cripples. 
What  few  trains  belonging  to  his  herd  had  escaped 
the  ditch  were  used  in  filling  up  other  unfortunate 


CAMP   SUPPLY  83 

ones,  the  injured  cattle  from  the  other  wrecks  form 
ing  his  present  holdings. 

"  Our  people  were  anxious  to  get  their  cattle  on 
to  the  market  early  this  year,"  said  he,  "  and  put 
their  foot  into  it  up  to  the  knee.  Shipping  to  Red 
River  was  an  experiment  with  them,  and  I  hope 
they  've  got  tneir  belly  full.  We  've  got  dead  and 
dying  cattle  in  every  pasture  from  the  falls  to  the 
river,  while  these  in  sight  are  n't  able  to  keep  out 
of  the  stench  of  those  that  croaked  between  here 
and  the  ford.  Oh,  this  shipping  is  a  fine  thing  — 
for  the  railroads.  Here  I  've  got  to  rot  all  summer 

with  these cattle,  just  because  two  of  my  trains 

went  into  the  ditch  while  no  other  foreman  had 
over  one  wrecked.  And  mind  you,  they  paid  the 
freight  in  advance,  and  now  King  and  Kennedy 
have  brought  suit  for  damages  amounting  to  double 
the  shipping  expense.  They  '11  get  it  all  right  — 
in  pork.  I  'd  rather  have  a  claim  against  a  nigger 
than  a  railroad  company.  Look  at  your  beeves, 
slick  as  weasels,  and  from  the  Nueces  River.  Have 
to  hold  them  in,  I  reckon,  to  keep  from  making 
twenty  miles  a  day.  And  here  I  am  —  Oh,  hell, 
I  'd  rather  be  on  a  rock-pile  with  a  ball  and  chain 
to  my  foot !  Do  you  see  those  objects  across  yonder 
about  two  miles  —  in  that  old  grass  ?  That 's  where 
we  bedded  night  before  last  and  forty  odd  died. 
We  only  lost  twenty-two  last  night.  Oh,  we're 
getting  in  shape  fast.  If  you  think  you  can  hold 
your  breakfast  down,  just  take  a  ride  through 


84  THE  OUTLET 

mine.  No,  excuse  me  —  I  've  seen  them  too  often 
already." 

Several  of  the  boys  and  myself  rode  into  the 
herd  some  little  distance,  but  the  sight  was  enough 
to  turn  a  copper-lined  stomach.  Scarcely  an  animal 
had  escaped  without  more  or  less  injury.  Fully  one 
half  were  minus  one  or  both  horns,  leaving  instead 
bloody  stumps.  Broken  bones  and  open  sores 
greeted  us  on  every  hand  ;  myriads  of  flies  added 
to  the  misery  of  the  cattle,  while  in  many  instances 
there  was  evidence  of  maggots  at  work  on  the  living 
animal.  Turning  from  the  herd  in  disgust,  we  went 
back  to  our  own,  thankful  that  the  rate  offered  us 
had  been  prohibitory.  The  trials  and  vexations  of 
the  road  were  mere  nothings  to  be  endured,  com 
pared  to  the  sights  we  were  then  leaving.  Even 
what  we  first  supposed  were  cattle  lying  down,  were 
only  bed-grounds,  the  occupants  having  been  hu 
manely  relieved  by  unwaking  sleep.  Powerless  to 
render  any  assistance,  we  trailed  away,  glad  to  blot 
from  our  sight  and  memory  such  scenes  of  misery 
and  death. 

Until  reaching  the  Washita  River,  we  passed 
through  a  delightful  country.  There  were  numer 
ous  local  trails  coming  into  the  main  one,  all  of 
which  showed  recent  use.  Abandoned  camp-fires 
and  bed-grounds  were  to  be  seen  on  every  hand, 
silent  witnesses  of  an  exodus  which  was  to  mark 
the  maximum  year  in  the  history  of  the  cattle  move 
ment  from  Texas.  Several  times  we  saw  some 


CAMP   SUPPLY  85 

evidence  of  settlement  by  the  natives,  but  as  to 
the  freedom  of  the  country,  we  were  monarchs  of  all 
we  surveyed.  On  arriving  at  the  Washita,  we 
encountered  a  number  of  herds,  laboring  under  the 
impression  that  they  were  water-bound.  Immediate 
entrance  at  the  ford  was  held  by  a  large  herd  of 
young  cattle  in  charge  of  a  negro  outfit.  Their 
stock  were  scattered  over  several  thousand  acres, 
and  when  I  asked  for  the  boss,  a  middle-aged  darky 
of  herculean  figure  was  pointed  out  as  in  charge. 
To  my  inquiry  why  he  was  holding  the  ford,  his 
answer  was  that  until  to-day  the  river  had  been 
swimming,  and  now  he  was  waiting  for  the  banks 
to  dry.  Ridiculing  his  flimsy  excuse,  I  kindly  yet 
firmly  asked  him  either  to  cross  or  vacate  the  ford 
by  three  o'clock  that  afternoon.  Receiving  no  de 
finite  reply,  I  returned  to  our  herd,  which  was  some 
five  miles  in  the  rear.  Beyond  the  river's  steep, 
slippery  banks  and  cold  water,  there  was  nothing 
to  check  a  herd. 

After  the  noonday  halt,  the  wrangler  and  myself 
took  our  remuda  and  went  on  ahead  to  the  river. 
Crossing  and  recrossing  our  saddle  stock  a  number 
of  times,  we  trampled  the  banks  down  to  a  firm 
footing.  While  we  were  doing  this  work,  the  negro 
foreman  and  a  number  of  his  men  rode  up  and 
sullenly  watched  us.  Leaving  our  horses  on  the 
north  bank,  Levering  and  I  returned,  and  ignoring 
the  presence  of  the  darky  spectators,  started  back 
to  meet  the  herd,  which  was  just  then  looming  up 


86  THE   OUTLET 

in  sight.  But  before  we  had  ridden  any  distance, 
the  dusky  foreman  overtook  us  and  politely  said, 
"  Look-ee  here,  Cap'n  ;  ain't  you-all  afraid  of  losin' 
some  of  your  cattle  among  ours  ?  "  Never  halting, 
I  replied,  "  Not  a  particle  ;  if  we  lose  any,  you  eat 
them,  and  we  '11  do  the  same  if  our  herd  absorbs 
any  of  yours.  But  it  strikes  me  that  you  had  better 
have  those  lazy  niggers  throw  your  cattle  to  one 
side,"  I  called  back,  as  he  halted  his  horse.  We 
did  not  look  backward  until  we  reached  the 
herd ;  then  as  we  turned,  one  on  each  side  to 
support  the  points,  it  was  evident  that  a  clear 
field  would  await  us  on  reaching  the  river.  Every 
horseman  in  the  black  outfit  was  pushing  cattle 
with  might  and  main,  to  give  us  a  clean  cloth  at 
the  crossing. 

The  herd  forded  the  Washita  without  incident. 
I  remained  on  the  south  bank  while  the  cattle  were 
crossing,  and  when  they  were  about  half  over  some 
half-dozen  of  the  darkies  rode  up  and  stopped  apart, 
conversing  among  themselves.  When  the  drag  cat 
tle  passed  safely  out  on  the  farther  bank,  I  turned 
to  the  dusky  group,  only  to  find  their  foreman 
absent.  Making  a  few  inquiries  as  to  the  owner 
ship  of  their  herd,  its  destination,  and  other  matters 
of  interest,  I  asked  the  group  to  express  my  thanks 
to  their  foreman  for  moving  his  cattle  aside.  Our 
commissary  crossed  shortly  afterward,  and  the 
Washita  was  in  our  rear.  But  that  night,  as  some 
of  my  outfit  returned  from  the  river,  where  they 


CAMP   SUPPLY  87 

had  been  fishing,  they  reported  the  negro  outfit  as 
having  crossed  and  encamped  several  miles  in  our 
rear. 

"All  they  needed  was  a  good  example,"  said 
Dorg  Seay.  "  Under  a  white  foreman,  I  '11  bet 
that 's  a  good  lot  of  darkies.  They  were  just  about 
the  right  shade  —  old  shiny  black.  As  good  cow 
hands  as  ever  I  saw  were  nigs,  but  they  need  a 
white  man  to  blow  and  brag  on  them.  But  it  always 
ruins  one  to  give  him  any  authority." 

Without  effort  we  traveled  fifteen  miles  a  day. 
In  the  absence  of  any  wet  weather  to  gall  their 
backs,  there  was  not  a  horse  in  our  remuda  unfit 
for  the  saddle.  In  fact,  after  reaching  the  Indian 
Territory,  they  took  on  flesh  and  played  like  lambs. 
With  the  exception  of  long  hours  and  night-herd 
ing,  the  days  passed  in  seeming  indolence  as  we 
swept  northward,  crossing  rivers  without  a  halt 
which  in  previous  years  had  defied  the  moving 
herds.  On  arriving  at  the  Cimarron  River,  in 
reply  to  a  letter  written  to  my  employer  on  leaving 
Texas  behind  us,  an  answer  was  found  awaiting  me 
at  Red  Fork.  The  latter  was  an  Indian  trading- 
post,  located  on  the  mail  route  to  Fort  Reno,  and 
only  a  few  miles  north  of  the  Chisholm  Crossing. 
The  letter  was  characteristic  of  my  employer.  It 
contained  but  one  imperative  order,  —  that  I  should 
touch,  either  with  or  without  the  herd,  at  Camp 
Supply.  For  some  unexplained  reason  he  would 
make  that  post  his  headquarters  until  after  the 


88  THE   OUTLET 

Buford  herds  had  passed  that  point.  The  letter 
concluded  with  the  injunction,  in  case  we  met  any 
one,  to  conceal  the  ownership  of  the  herd  and  its 
destination. 

The  mystery  was  thickening.  But  having  pre 
viously  declined  to  borrow  trouble,  I  brushed  this 
aside  as  unimportant,  though  I  gave  my  outfit  in 
structions  to  report  the  herd  to  every  one  as  belong 
ing  to  Omaha  men,  and  on  its  way  to  Nebraska  to 
be  corn-fed.  Fortunately  I  had  ridden  ahead  of  the 
herd  after  crossing  the  Cimarron,  and  had  posted 
the  outfit  before  they  reached  the  trading-station. 
I  did  not  allow  one  of  my  boys  near  the  store,  and 
the  herd  passed  by  as  in  contempt  of  such  a  wayside 
place.  As  the  Dodge  cut-off  left  the  Ghisholm  Trail 
some  ten  miles  above  the  Indian  trading-post,  the 
next  morning  we  waved  good-bye  to  the  old  cattle 
trace  and  turned  on  a  northwest  angle.  Our  route 
now  lay  up  the  Cimarron,  which  we  crossed  and 
recrossed  at  our  pleasure,  for  the  sake  of  grazing 
or  to  avoid  several  large  alkali  flats.  There  was 
evidence  of  herds  in  our  advance,  and  had  we  not 
hurried  past  Red  Fork,  I  might  have  learned  some 
thing  to  our  advantage.  But  disdaining  all  inquiry 
of  the  cut-off,  fearful  lest  our  identity  be  discovered, 
we  deliberately  walked  into  the  first  real  danger  of 
the  trip. 

At  low  water  the  Cimarron  was  a  brackish  stream. 
But  numerous  tributaries  put  in  from  either  side, 
and  by  keeping  above  the  river's  ebb,  an  abundance 


CAMP   SUPPLY  89 

of  fresh  water  was  daily  secured  from  the  river's 
affluents.  The  fifth  day  out  from  Red  Rock  was  an 
excessively  sultry  one,  and  suffering  would  have 
resulted  to  the  herd  had  we  not  been  following 
a  divide  where  we  caught  an  occasional  breeze.  The 
river  lay  some  ten  miles  to  our  right,  while  before 
us  a  tributary  could  be  distinctly  outlined  by  the 
cotton  woods  which  grew  along  it.  Since  early  morn 
ing  we  had  been  paralleling  the  creek,  having 
nooned  within  sight  of  its  confluence  with  the 
mother  stream,  and  consequently  I  had  considered 
it  unnecessary  to  ride  ahead  and  look  up  the  water. 
When  possible,  we  always  preferred  watering  the 
herd  between  three  and  four  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon.  But  by  holding  our  course,  we  were  certain 
to  intersect  the  creek  at  about  the  usual  hour  for  the 
cattle's  daily  drink,  and  besides,  as  the  creek  neared 
the  river,  it  ran  through  an  alkali  flat  for  some  dis 
tance.  But  before  the  time  arrived  to  intersect  the 
creek  on  our  course,  the  herd  turned  out  of  the  trail, 
determined  to  go  to  the  creek  and  quench  their 
thirst.  The  entire  outfit,  however,  massed  on  the 
right  flank,  and  against  their  will  we  held  them  on 
their  course.  As  their  thirst  increased  with  travel, 
they  made  repeated  attempts  to  break  through  our 
cordon,  requiring  every  man  to  keep  on  the  alert. 
But  we  held  them  true  to  the  divide,  and  as  we  came 
to  the  brow  of  a  small  hill  within  a  quarter-mile  of 
the  water,  a  stench  struck  us  until  we  turned  in  our 
saddles,  gasping  for  breath.  I  was  riding  third  man 


90  THE   OUTLET 

in  the  swing  from  the  point,  and  noticing  something 
wrong  in  front,  galloped  to  the  brow  of  the  hill. 
The  smell  was  sickening  and  almost  unendurable, 
and  there  before  us  in  plain  view  lay  hundreds  of 
dead  cattle,  bloated  and  decaying  in  the  summer 
sun. 

I  was  dazed  by  the  awful  scene.  A  pretty,  green- 
swarded  little  valley  lay  before  me,  groups  of  cotton- 
woods  fringed  the  stream  here  and  there,  around 
the  roots  of  which  were  both  shade  and  water.  The 
reeking  stench  that  filled  the  air  stupefied  me  for 
the  instant,  and  I  turned  my  horse  from  the  view, 
gasping  for  a  mouthful  of  God's  pure  ozone.  But 
our  beeves  had  been  scenting  the  creek  for  hours, 
and  now  a  few  of  the  leaders  started  forward  in 
a  trot  for  it.  Like  a  flash  it  came  to  me  that  death 
lurked  in  that  water,  and  summoning  every  man 
within  hearing,  I  dashed  to  the  lead  of  our  cattle  to 
turn  them  back  over  the  hill.  Jack  Splann  was  on 
the  point,  and  we  turned  the  leaders  when  within 
two  hundred  yards  of  the  creek,  frequently  jumping 
our  horses  over  the  putrid  carcasses  of  dead  cattle. 
The  main  body  of  the  herd  were  trailing  for  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  in  our  rear,  and  none  of  the  men 
dared  leave  their  places.  Untying  our  slickers, 
Splann  and  I  fell  upon  the  leaders  and  beat  them 
back  to  the  brow  of  the  hill,  when  an  unfortunate 
breeze  was  wafted  through  that  polluted  atmosphere 
from  the  creek  to  the  cattle's  nostrils.  Turning 
upon  us  and  now  augmented  to  several  hundred 


CAMP   SUPPLY  91 

head,  they  sullenly  started  forward.  But  in  the 
few  minutes'  interim,  two  other  lads  had  come  to 
our  support,  and  dismounting  we  rushed  them, 
whipping  our  slickers  into  ribbons  over  their  heads. 
The  mastery  of  man  again  triumphed  over  brutes 
in  their  thirst,  for  we  drove  them  in  a  rout  back 
over  the  divide. 

Our  success,  however,  was  only  temporary.  Re 
covering  our  horses  we  beat  the  cattle  back,  seem 
ingly  inch  by  inch,  until  the  rear  came  up,  when 
we  rounded  them  into  a  compact  body.  They 
quieted  down  for  a  short  while,  affording  us  a 
breathing  spell,  for  the  suddenness  of  this  danger 
had  not  only  unnerved  me  but  every  one  of  the  out 
fit  who  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  that  field  of  death. 
The  wagon  came  up,  and  those  who  needed  them 
secured  a  change  of  horses.  Leaving  the  outfit  hold 
ing  the  herd,  Splann  and  I  took  fresh  mounts,  and 
circling  around,  came  in  on  the  windward  side  of 
the  creek.  As  we  crossed  it  half  a  mile  above  the 
scene  of  disaster,  each  of  us  dipped  a  hand  in  the 
water  and  tasted  it.  The  alkali  was  strong  as  con 
centrated  lye,  blistering  our  mouths  in  the  experi 
ment.  The  creek  was  not  even  running,  but  stood 
in  long,  deep  pools,  clear  as  crystal  and  as  inviting 
to  the  thirsty  as  a  mountain  spring.  As  we  neared 
the  dead  cattle,  Splann  called  my  attention  to  the 
attitude  of  the  animals  when  death  relieved  them, 
the  heads  of  fully  two  thirds  being  thrown  back  on 
their  sides.  Many,  when  stricken,  were  unable  to 


92  THE   OUTLET 

reach  the  bank,  and  died  in  the  bed  of  the  stream. 
Making  a  complete  circle  of  the  ghastly  scene,  we 
returned  to  our  own,  agreeing  that  between  five  and 
six  hundred  cattle  had  met  their  fate  in  those  death- 
dealing  pools. 

We  were  not  yet  out  of  the  woods.  On  our 
return,  many  of  the  cattle  were  lying  down,  while 
in  the  west  thunder-clouds  were  appearing.  The 
North  Fork  of  the  Canadian  lay  on  our  left,  which 
was  now  our  only  hope  for  water,  yet  beyond  our 
reach  for  the  day.  Keeping  the  slight  divide  be 
tween  us  and  the  creek,  we  started  the  herd  forward. 
Since  it  was  impossible  to  graze  them  in  their 
thirsty  condition,  I  was  determined  to  move  them 
as  far  as  possible  before  darkness  overtook  us.  But 
within  an  hour  we  crossed  a  country  trail  over 
which  herds  had  passed  on  their  way  northwest, 
having  left  the  Chisholm  after  crossing  the  North 
Fork.  At  the  first  elevation  which  would  give  me 
a  view  of  the  creek,  another  scene  of  death  and 
desolation  greeted  my  vision,  only  a  few  miles  above 
the  first  one.  Yet  from  this  same  hill  I  could  easily 
trace  the  meanderings  of  the  creek  for  miles  as  it 
made  a  half  circle  in  our  front,  both  inviting  and 
defying  us.  Turning  the  herd  due  south,  we  traveled 
until  darkness  fell,  going  into  camp  on  a  high, 
flat  mesa  of  several  thousand  acres.  But  those 
evening  breezes  wafted  an  invitation  to  come  and 
drink,  and  our  thirsty  herd  refused  to  bed  down. 
To  add  to  our  predicament,  a  storm  thickened  in 


CAMP  SUPPLY  93 

the  west.  Eealizing  that  we  were  confronting  the 
most  dangerous  night  in  all  my  cattle  experience, 
I  ordered  every  man  into  the  saddle.  The  remuda 
and  team  were  taken  in  charge  by  the  wrangler  and 
cook,  and  going  from  man  to  man,  I  warned  them 
what  the  consequences  would  be  if  we  lost  the 
herd  during  the  night,  and  the  cattle  reached  the 
creek. 

The  cattle  surged  and  drifted  almost  at  will,  for 
we  were  compelled  to  hold  them  loose  to  avoid 
milling.  Before  ten  o'clock  the  lightning  was  flick 
ering  overhead  and  around  us,  revealing  acres  of 
big  beeves,  which  in  an  instant  might  take  fright, 
and  then,  God  help  us.  But  in  that  night  of  trial 
a  mercy  was  extended  to  the  dumb  brutes  in  charge. 
A  warm  rain  began  falling,  first  in  a  drizzle,  in 
creasing  after  the  first  hour,  and  by  midnight  we 
could  hear  the  water  slushing  under  our  horses' 
feet.  By  the  almost  constant  flashes  of  lightning 
we  could  see  the  cattle  standing  as  if  asleep,  in 
grateful  enjoyment  of  the  sheeting  downpour. 
As  the  night  wore  on,  our  fears  of  a  stampede 
abated,  for  the  buffalo  wallows  on  the  mesa  filled, 
and  water  was  on  every  hand.  The  rain  ceased 
before  dawn,  but  owing  to  the  saturated  condition 
underfoot,  not  a  hoof  lay  down  during  the  night, 
and  when  the  gray  of  morning  streaked  the  east, 
what  a  sense  of  relief  it  brought  us.  The  danger 
had  passed. 

Near  noon  that  day,  and  within  a  few  miles  of 


94  THE   OUTLET 

the  North  Fork,  we  rounded  an  alkaline  plain  in 
which  this  deadly  creek  had  its  source.  Under  the 
influence  of  the  season,  alkali  had  oozed  up  out  of 
the  soil  until  it  looked  like  an  immense  lake  under 
snow.  The  presence  of  range  cattle  in  close  prox 
imity  to  this  creek,  for  we  were  in  the  Cherokee 
Strip,  baffled  my  reasoning ;  but  the  next  day  we 
met  a  range-rider  who  explained  that  the  present 
condition  of  the  stream  was  unheard  of  before,  and 
that  native  cattle  had  instinct  enough  to  avoid  it. 
He  accounted  for  its  condition  as  due  to  the  dry 
season,  there  being  no  general  rains  sufficient  to 
flood  the  alkaline  plain  and  thoroughly  flush  the 
creek.  In  reply  to  an  inquiry  as  to  the  ownership 
of  the  unfortunate  herds,  he  informed  me  that  there 
were  three,  one  belonging  to  Bob  Houston,  another 
to  Major  Corouthers,  and  the  third  to  a  man  named 
Murphy,  the  total  loss  amounting  to  about  two 
thousand  cattle. 

From  this  same  range-man  we  also  learned  our 
location.  Camp  Supply  lay  up  the  North  Fork 
some  sixty  miles,  while  a  plain  trail  followed  up  the 
first  bottom  of  the  river.  Wishing  to  avoid,  if  pos 
sible,  intersecting  the  western  trail  south  of  Dodge, 
the  next  morning  I  left  the  herd  to  follow  up,  and 
rode  into  Camp  Supply  before  noon.  Lovell  had 
sighted  me  a  mile  distant,  and  after  a  drink  at  the 
sutler's  bar,  we  strolled  aside  for  a  few  minutes' 
chat.  Once  I  had  informed  him  of  the  locality  of 
the  herd  and  their  condition,  he  cautioned  me  not 


CAMP   SUPPLY  95 

to  let  my  business  be  known  while  in  the  post. 
After  refreshing  the  inner  man,  my  employer  se 
cured  a  horse  and  started  with  me  on  my  return. 
As  soon  as  the  flag  over  Supply  faded  out  of  sight 
in  our  rear,  we  turned  to  the  friendly  shade  of  the 
timber  on  the  North  Fork  and  dismounted.  I  felt 
that  the  precaution  exercised  by  the  drover  was 
premonitory  of  some  revelation,  and  before  we  arose 
from  the  cottonwood  log  on  which  we  took  seats, 
the  scales  had  fallen  from  my  eyes  and  the  atmo 
sphere  of  mystery  cleared. 

"  Tom,"  said  my  employer,  "  I  am  up  against  a 
bad  proposition.  I  am  driving  these  Buford  cattle, 
you  understand,  on  a  sub-contract.  I  was  the  sec 
ond  lowest  bidder  with  the  government,  and  no 
sooner  was  the  award  made  to  The  Western  Supply 
Company  than  they  sent  an  agent  who  gave  me 
no  peace  until  they  sublet  their  contract.  Unfortu 
nately  for  me,  when  the  papers  were  drawn,  my 
regular  attorney  was  out  of  town,  and  I  was  com 
pelled  to  depend  on  a  stranger.  After  the  articles 
were  executed,  I  submitted  the  matter  to  my  old 
lawyer ;  he  shook  his  head,  arguing  that  a  loophole 
had  been  left  open,  and  that  I  should  have  secured 
an  assignment  of  the  original  contract.  After 
studying  the  matter  over,  we  opened  negotiations 
to  secure  a  complete  relinquishment  of  the  award. 
But  when  I  offered  the  company  a  thousand  dollars 
over  and  above  what  they  admitted  was  their 'mar 
gin,  and  they  refused  it,  I  opened  my  eyes  to  the 


96  THE   OUTLET 

true  situation.  If  cattle  went  up,  I  was  responsible 
and  would  have  to  fill  my  contract ;  if  they  went 
down,  the  company  would  buy  in  the  cattle  and 
I  could  go  to  hell  in  a  hand-basket  for  all  they 
cared.  Their  bond  to  the  government  does  me 
no  good,  and  beyond  that  they  are  irresponsible. 
Beeves  have  broken  from  four  to  five  dollars  a 
head,  and  unless  I  can  deliver  these  Buford  herds 
on  my  contract,  they  will  lose  me  fifty  thousand 
dollars." 

"  Have  you  any  intimation  that  they  expect  to 
buy  in  other  cattle  ?  "  I  inquired. 

"  Yes.  I  have  had  a  detective  in  my  employ  ever 
since  my  suspicions  were  aroused.  There  are  two 
parties  in  Dodge  this  very  minute  with  the  original 
contract,  properly  assigned,  and  they  are  looking  for 
cattle  to  fill  it.  That 's  why  I  'm  stopping  here  and 
lying  low.  I  could  n't  explain  it  to  you  sooner,  but 
you  understand  now  why  I  drove  those  Buford 
herds  in  different  road  brands.  Tom,  we're  up 
against  it,  and  we  've  got  to  fight  the  devil  with  fire. 
Henceforth  your  name  will  be  Tom  Mclndoo,  your 
herd  will  be  the  property  of  the  Marshall  estate, 
and  their  agent,  my  detective,  will  be  known  as 
Charles  Siringo.  Any  money  or  supplies  you  may 
need  in  Dodge,  get  in  the  usual  form  through  the 
firm  of  Wright,  Beverly  &  Co.  —  they  understand. 
Hold  your  herd  out  south  on  Mulberry,  and  Sir 
ingo  will  have  notice  and  be  looking  for  you,  or 
you  can  find  him  at  the  Dodge  House.  I  've  sent 


CAMP   SUPPLY  97 

a  courier  to  Fort  Elliott  to  meet  Dave  and  Quince, 
and  once  I  see  them,  I  '11  run  up  to  Ogalalla  and 
wait  for  you.  Now,  until  further  orders,  remember 
you  never  knew  a  man  by  the  name  of  Don  Lovell, 
and  by  all  means  don't  forget  to  use  what  wits 
Nature  gave  you." 


CHAPTEE  YII 
WHEN  GREEK  MEETS  GREEK 

IT  was  late  that  night  when  I  reached  the  herd. 
Before  I  parted  with  my  employer  we  had  care 
fully  reviewed  the  situation  in  its  minutest  details. 
Since  the  future  could  not  be  foreseen,  we  could 
only  watch  and  wait.  The  Texan  may  have  his 
shortcomings,  but  lack  of  fidelity  to  a  trust  is  not 
one  of  them,  and  relying  on  the  metal  of  my  out 
fit,  I  at  once  put  them  in  possession  of  the  facts. 
At  first  their  simple  minds  could  hardly  grasp  the 
enormity  of  the  injustice  to  our  employer,  but  once 
the  land  lay  clear,  they  would  gladly  have  led  a 
forlorn  hope  in  Don  Lovell's  interests.  Agitation 
over  the  matter  was  maintained  at  white  heat  for 
several  days,  as  we  again  angled  back  towards  the 
Cimarron.  Around  the  camp-fires  at  night,  the 
chicanery  of  The  Western  Supply  Company  gave 
place  to  the  best  stories  at  our  command.  "  There 
ought  to  be  a  law,"  said  Runt  Pickett,  in  wrathy 
indignation,  "  making  it  legal  to  kill  some  people, 
same  as  rattlesnakes.  Now,  you  take  a  square 
gambler  and  I  don't  think  anything  of  losing  my 
money  against  his  game,  but  one  of  these  sneaking, 
under-dealing,  top-and-bottom-business  pimps,  I  do 


WHEN   GREEK  MEETS   GREEK          99 

despise.  You  can  find  them  in  every  honest  calling, 
same  as  vultures  hover  round  when  cattle  are  dy 
ing.  Honest,  fellows,  I  'd  just  dearly  love  to  pull 
on  a  rope  and  watch  one  of  the  varmints  make  his 
last  kick." 

Several  days  of  showery  weather  followed.  Cross 
ing  the  Cimarron,  we  followed  up  its  north  slope 
to  within  thirty  miles  of  the  regular  western  trail. 
Not  wishing  to  intercept  it  until  necessity  com 
pelled  us,  when  near  the  Kansas  line  we  made  our 
last  tack  for  Dodge.  The  rains  had  freshened  the 
country  and  flushed  the  creeks,  making  our  work 
easy,  and  early  in  the  month  of  June  we  reached 
the  Mulberry.  Traveling  at  random,  we  struck 
that  creek  about  twenty  miles  below  the  trail,  and 
moved  up  the  stream  to  within  a  short  distance  of 
the  old  crossing.  The  presence  of  a  dozen  other 
herds  holding  along  it  forced  us  into  a  permanent 
camp  a  short  half-day's  ride  from  the  town.  The 
horse-wrangler  was  pressed  into  service  in  making 
up  the  first  guard  that  night,  and  taking  Morg 
Tussler  with  me,  I  struck  out  for  Dodge  in  the  fall 
ing  darkness.  On  reaching  the  first  divide,  we 
halted  long  enough  to  locate  the  camp-fires  along 
the  Mulberry  to  our  rear,  while  above  and  below 
and  beyond  the  river,  fires  flickered  like  an  Indian 
encampment.  The  lights  of  Dodge  were  inviting 
us,  and  after  making  a  rough  estimate  of  the  camps 
in  sight,  we  rode  for  town,  arriving  there  between 
ten  and  eleven  o'clock.  The  Dodge  House  was  a 


100  THE   OUTLET 

popular  hostelry  for  trail  men  and  cattle  buyers, 
and  on  our  making  inquiry  of  the  night  clerk  if  a 
Mr.  Siringo  was  stopping  there,  we  were  informed 
that  he  was,  but  had  retired.  I  put  up  a  trivial 
excuse  for  seeing  him,  the  clerk  gave  me  the  number 
of  his  room,  and  Tussler  and  I  were  soon  closeted 
with  him.  The  detective  was  a  medium-sized,  ordi 
nary  man,  badly  pock-marked,  with  a  soft,  musical 
voice,  and  apparently  as  innocent  as  a  boy.  In 
a  brief  preliminary  conversation,  he  proved  to  be  a 
Texan,  knowing  every  in  and  out  of  cattle,  having 
been  bred  to  the  occupation.  Our  relations  to  each 
other  were  easily  established.  Reviewing  the  situ 
ation  thoroughly,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  cul 
tivated  the  acquaintance  of  the  parties  holding  the 
assignment  of  the  Buford  award.  He  had  repre 
sented  to  them  that  he  was  the  fiscal  agent  of  some 
six  herds  on  the  trail  that  year,  three  of  which 
were  heavy  beeves,  and  they  had  agreed  to  look 
them  over,  provided  they  arrived  before  the  15th 
of  the  month.  He  further  assured  me  that  the 
parties  were  mere  figureheads  of  The  Supply  Com 
pany  ;  that  they  were  exceedingly  bearish  on  the 
market,  gloating  over  the  recent  depreciation  in 
prices,  and  perfectly  willing  to  fatten  on  the  wreck 
and  ruin  of  others. 

It  was  long  after  midnight  when  the  consultation 
ended.  Appointing  an  hour  for  showing  the  herd 
the  next  day,  or  that  one  rather,  Tussler  and  I 
withdrew,  agreeing  to  be  out  of  town  before  day- 


WHEN  GREEK  MEETS  GREEK    101 

break.  But  the  blaze  of  gambling  and  the  blare  of 
dance-halls  held  us  as  in  a  siren's  embrace  until  the 
lights  dimmed  with  the  breaking  of  dawn.  Mount 
ing  our  horses,  we  forded  the  river  east  of  town 
and  avoided  the  herds,  which  were  just  arising  from 
their  bed-grounds.  On  the  divide  we  halted. 
Within  the  horizon  before  us,  it  is  safe  to  assert 
that  one  hundred  thousand  cattle  grazed  in  lazy 
contentment,  all  feeding  against  the  morning  breeze. 
Save  for  the  freshness  of  early  summer,  with  its 
background  of  green  and  the  rarified  atmosphere 
of  the  elevated  plain,  the  scene  before  us  might  be 
compared  to  a  winter  drift  of  buffalo,  ten  years 
previous.  Riding  down  the  farther  slope,  we  reached 
our  camp  in  time  for  a  late  breakfast,  the  fifteen- 
mile  ride  having  whetted  our  appetites.  Three  men 
were  on  herd,  and  sending  two  more  with  instruc 
tions  to  water  the  cattle  an  hour  before  noon,  Tuss- 
ler  and  I  sought  the  shade  of  the  wagon  and  fell 
asleep. 

It  was  some  time  after  midday  when,  on  sighting 
the  expected  conveyance  approaching  our  camp, 
the  cook  aroused  us.  Performing  a  rather  hasty 
ablution,  I  met  the  vehicle,  freshened,  and  with  my 
wits  on  tap.  I  nearly  dragged  the  detective  from 
the  livery  rig,  addressing  him  as  "  Charley,"  and 
we  made  a  rough  ado  over  each  other.  Several  of 
the  other  boys  came  forward  and,  shaking  hands, 
greeted  him  with  equal  familiarity.  As  two  strangers 
alighted  on  the  opposite  side,  the  detective  took  me 


102  THE   OUTLET 

around  and  they  were  introduced  as  Mr.  Field  and 
Mr.  Radcliff,  prospective  beef  buyers.  The  boys 
had  stretched  a  tarpaulin,  affording  ample  shade, 
and  Parent  invited  every  one  to  dinner.  The  two 
strangers  were  rather  tasty,  but  Siringo  ate  rav 
enously,  repeatedly  asking  for  things  which  were 
usually  kept  in  a  well-stocked  chuck- wagon,  mean 
while  talking  with  great  familiarity  with  Tussler 
and  me. 

The  strangers  said  little,  but  were  amused  at  the 
lightness  of  our  dinner  chat.  I  could  see  at  a  glance 
that  they  were  not  cowmen.  They  were  impatient 
to  see  the  cattle ;  and  when  dinner  was  over,  I 
explained  to  them  that  the  men  on  herd  would  be 
relieved  for  dinner  by  those  in  camp,  and  orders 
would  be  given,  if  it  was  their  wish,  to  throw  the 
cattle  compactly  together.  To  this  Siringo  objected. 
"  No,  Mac,"  said  he,  "  that  is  n't  the  right  way  to 
show  beeves.  Here,  Morg,  listen  to  me ;  I  'm  fore 
man  for  the  time  being.  When  you  relieve  the 
other  lads,  edge  in  your  cattle  from  an  ordinary 
loose  herd  until  you  have  them  on  two  or  three 
hundred  acres.  Then  we  can  slowly  drive  through 
them  for  an  hour  or  so,  or  until  these  gentlemen 
are  satisfied.  They  're  not  wild,  are  they,  Mac  ?  " 

I  assured  every  one  that  the  cattle  were  unusually 
gentle ;  that  we  had  not  had  a  run  so  far,  but  urged 
caution  in  approaching  them  with  a  conveyance. 
As  soon  as  the  relief  started,  I  brought  in  the  livery 
team  off  picket,  watered,  and  harnessed  them  into 


BEFORE    US   ONE    HUNDRED   THOUSAND   CATTLE   GRAZED 


WHEN   GREEK   MEETS   GREEK        103 

the  vehicle.  It  was  my  intention  to  accompany  them 
on  horseback,  but  Siringo  hooted  at  the  idea,  and 
Mr.  Radcliff  and  I  occupied  the  back  seat,  puffing 
splendid  cigars.  We  met  the  relieved  men  coming 
in,  who  informed  us  that  the  herd  was  just  over  the 
hill  on  the  south  side  of  the  creek.  On  reaching 

O 

the  gentle  rise,  there  below  us  grazed  the  logy,  lazy 
beeves,  while  the  boys  quietly  rode  round,  silently 
moving  them  together  as  instructed.  Siringo  drove 
to  their  lead,  and  halting,  we  allowed  the  cattle  to 
loiter  past  us  on  either  side  of  the  conveyance.  It 
was  an  easy  herd  to  show,  for  the  pounds  avoirdu 
pois  were  there.  Numerous  big  steers,  out  of  pure 
curiosity,  came  up  near  the  vehicle  and  innocently 
looked  at  us  as  if  expecting  a  dole  or  sweetmeat. 
A  snap  of  the  finger  would  turn  them,  showing 
their  rounded  buttocks,  and  they  would  rejoin  the 
guard  of  honor.  If  eyes  could  speak,  the  invitation 
was  timidly  extended,  "  Look  at  me,  Mr.  Buyer." 
We  allowed  the  herd  to  pass  by  us,  then  slowly 
circled  entirely  around  them,  and  finally  drove  back 
and  forth  through  them  for  nearly  two  hours,  when 
the  prospective  buyers  expressed  themselves  as 
satisfied. 

But  the  fiscal  agent  was  not.  Calling  two  of  the 
boys,  he  asked  for  the  loan  of  their  horses  and 
insisted  that  the  buyers  ride  the  cattle  over  and 
thoroughly  satisfy  themselves  on  the  brands.  The 
boys  gladly  yielded,  and  as  Mr.  Field  and  -Mr. 
Radcliff  mounted  to  ride  away,  the  detective  halted 


104  THE   OUTLET 

them  long  enough  to  say :  "  Now,  gentlemen,  I 
wish  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  over 
one  half  the  herd  are  in  the  single  Marshall  ranch 
brand.  There  are  also  some  five  hundred  head  in 
the  '8  =  8,'  that  being  an  outside  ranch,  but  belong 
ing  to  the  estate.  I  am  informed  that  the  remainder 
of  nearly  a  thousand  were  turned  in  by  neighboring 
ranchmen  in  making  up  the  herd,  and  you  '11  find 
those  in  various  mixed  brands.  If  there  's  a  hoof 
among  them  not  in  the  '  Open  A '  road,  we  '11  cut 
them  out  fqr  fear  of  trouble  to  the  buyer.  I  never 
sold  a  man  cattle  in  my  life  who  was  n't  my  cus 
tomer  ever  afterward.  You  gentlemen  are  strangers 
to  me,  and  for  that  reason  I  conceal  nothing.  Now 
look  them  over  carefully,  and  keep  a  sharp  lookout 
for  strays  —  cattle  not  in  the  road  brand." 

I  knew  there  were  about  twenty  strays  in  the 
herd,  and  informed  Siringo  to  that  effect,  but  the 
cattle  buyers  noticed  only  two,  a  red  and  a  roan, 
which  again  classed  them  as  inexperienced  men 
among  cattle.  We  returned  to  camp,  not  a  word 
being  said  about  trading,  when  the  buyers  sug 
gested  returning  to  town.  Siringo  looked  at  his 
watch,  asked  if  there  was  anything  further  they 
wished  to  see  or  know,  and  expressed  himself  like 
a  true  Texan,  "  that  there  was  ample  time."  I  was 
the  only  one  who  had  alighted,  and  as  they  started 
to  drive  away,  I  said  to  Siringo :  "  Charley,  let 
me  talk  to  you  a  minute  first.  You  see  how  I  'm 
situated  here  —  too  many  neighbors.  I  'm  going  to 


WHEN   GREEK   MEETS   GREEK        105 

ride  north  of  town  to-morrow,  and  if  I  can  find 
a  good  camp  on  Saw  Log,  why  I  '11  move  over.  We 
are  nearly  out  of  supplies,  anyhow,  and  the  wagon 
can  go  by  town  and  load  up.  There  's  liable  to  be 
a  mix-up  here  some  night  on  the  Mulberry,  and 
I  'd  rather  be  excused  than  present." 

"  That  's  all  right,  Mac  ;  that  's  just  what  I 
want  you  to  do.  If  we  trade,  we  '11  make  the  deal 
within  a  day  or  two,  and  if  not  you  can  start  right 
on  for  Ogalalla.  I  've  been  selling  cattle  the  last 
few  years  to  the  biggest  feeders  in  Nebraska,  and 
I  'm  not  a  little  bit  afraid  of  placing  those  '  Open 
A's.'  About  four  months  full  feed  on  corn  will  fit 
those  steers  to  go  to  any  market.  Drop  into  town 
on  your  way  back  from  the  Saw  Log  to-morrow." 

That  evening  my  brother  Bob  rode  into  camp. 
He  had  seen  our  employer  at  Supply,  and  accord 
ingly  understood  the  situation.  The  courier  had 
returned  from  Fort  Elliott  and  reported  his  mis 
sion  successful ;  he  had  met  both  Forrest  and  Spon- 
silier.  The  latter  had  had  a  slight  run  in  the  Pan 
handle  during  a  storm,  losing  a  few  cattle,  which 
he  recovered  the  next  day.  For  fear  of  a  repetition, 
Forrest  had  taken  the  lead  thereafter,  and  was  due 
at  Supply  within  a  day  or  two.  Flood  and  Priest 
had  passed  Abilene,  Texas,  in  safety,  but  no  word 
had  reached  our  employer  since,  and  it  was  believed 
that  they  had  turned  eastward  and  would  come 
up  the  Chisholm  Trail.  Bob  reported  the  country 
between  Abilene  and  Doan's  Crossing  as  cut  into 


106  THE   OUTLET 

dust  and  barren  of  sustenance,  many  weak  cattle 
having  died  in  crossing  the  dry  belt.  But  the  most 
startling  news,  seriously  disturbing  us  both,  was 
that  Archie  Tolleston  was  stationed  at  Doaii's  Cross 
ing  on  Red  River  as  a  trail-cutter.  He  had  come 
up  from  the  south  to  Wichita  Falls  by  train  with 
trail  cattle,  and  finding  no  opening  as  a  foreman, 
had  accepted  the  position  of  inspector  for  some  Pan 
handle  cattle  companies.  He  and  Bob  had  had 
a  friendly  chat,  and  Archie  admitted  that  it  was 
purely  his  own  hot-headedness  which  prevented  his 
being  one  of  Lovell's  foremen  on  the  present  drive. 
The  disturbing  feature  was,  that  after  leaving  head 
quarters  in  Medina  County,  he  had  gone  into  San 
Antonio,  where  he  met  a  couple  of  strangers  who 
partially  promised  him  a  job  as  trail  boss,  in  case 
he  presented  himself  in  Dodge  about  June  15. 
They  had  intimated  to  him  that  it  was  possible 
they  would  need  a  foreman  or  two  who  knew  the 
trail  from  the  Arkansaw  to  the  Yellowstone  and 
Missouri  River  country.  Putting  this  and  that  to 
gether,  the  presence  of  Archie  Tolleston  in  Dodge 
was  not  at  all  favorable  to  the  working  out  of  our 
plans.  "  And  Arch  is  n't  the  man  to  forget  a 
humiliation,"  concluded  Bob,  to  which  I  agreed. 

The  next  morning  I  rode  across  to  the  Saw  Log, 
and  up  that  creek  beyond  all  the  herds.  The  best 
prospect  for  a  camp  was  nearly  due  north  opposite 
us,  as  the  outfit  lowest  down  the  stream  expected  to 
start  for  the  Platte  the  next  morning.  Having  fully 


WHEN   GREEK   MEETS   GREEK        107 

made  up  my  mind  to  move  camp,  I  rode  for  town, 
taking  dinner  on  Duck  Creek,  which  was  also  lit 
tered  with  cattle  and  outfits.  I  reached  town  early 
in  the  afternoon,  and  after  searching  all  the  hotels, 
located  the  fiscal  agent  in  company  with  the  buyers 
at  the  Lone  Star  saloon.  They  were  seated  around 
a  table,  and  Mr.  Field,  noticing  my  entrance,  beck 
oned  me  over  and  offered  a  chair.  As  I  took  the 
proffered  seat,  both  strangers  turned  on  me,  and 
Mr.  Radcliff  said :  "  Mclndoo,  this  agent  of  yours 
is  the  hardest  man  I  ever  tried  to  trade  with.  Here 
we  've  wasted  the  whole  morning  dickering,  and 
are  no  nearer  together  than  when  we  started.  The 
only  concession  which  Mr.  Siringo  seems  willing 
to  admit  is  that  cattle  are  off  from  three  to  five 
dollars  a  head,  while  we  contend  that  heavy  beeves 
are  off  seven  dollars." 

"Excuse  me  for  interrupting,"  said  the  fiscal 
agent,  "  but  since  you  have  used  the  words  heavy 
beeves,  either  one  of  you  ask  Mac,  here,  what  those 
4  Open  A's '  will  dress  to-day,  and  what  they  ought 
to  gain  in  the  next  three  months  on  good  grass  and 
water.  There  he  sits  ;  ask  him." 

Mr.  Field  explained  that  they  had  also  differed 
as  to  what  the  herd  would  dress  out,  and  invited 
my  opinion.  "Those  beeves  will  dress  off  from 
forty-five  to  fifty  per  cent.,"  I  replied.  "  The  Texan 
being  a  gaunt  animal  does  not  shrink  like  a  domes 
tic  beef.  Take  that '  Open  A  '  herd  straight  through 
and  they  will  dress  from  four  fifty  to  six  hundred 


108  THE   OUTLET 

pounds,  or  average  better  than  five  hundred  all 
round.  In  three  months,  under  favorable  condi 
tions,  those  steers  ought  to  easily  put  on  a  hundred 
pounds  of  tallow  apiece.  Mr.  Radcliff,  do  you  re 
member  pointing  out  a  black  muley  yesterday  and 
saying  that  he  looked  like  a  native  animal  ?  I  '11 
just  bet  either  one  of  you  a  hundred  dollars  that 
he  '11  dress  out  over  five  hundred  pounds  ;  and  I  '11 
kill  him  in  your  presence  and  you  can  weigh  his 
quarters  with  a  steelyard." 

They  laughed  at  me,  Siringo  joining  in,  and 
Mr.  Field  ordered  the  drinks.  "Mac,"  said  the 
detective,  "  these  gentlemen  are  all  right,  and  you 
should  n't  take  any  offense,  for  I  don't  blame  them 
for  driving  a  hard  bargain.  I  'd  probably  do  the 
same  thing  if  I  was  the  buyer  instead  of  the  seller. 
And  remember,  Mac,  if  the  deal  goes  through,  you 
are  to  drive  the  herd  at  the  seller's  risk,  and  deliver 
it  at  any  point  the  buyer  designates,  they  accept 
ing  without  expense  or  reserve  the  cattle  only.  It 
means  over  three  months'  further  expense,  with  a 
remuda  thrown  back  on  your  hands ;  and  all  these 
incidentals  run  into  money  fast.  Gentlemen,  unless 
you  increase  the  advance  cash  payment,  I  don't  see 
how  you  can  expect  me  to  shade  my  offer.  What 's 
your  hurry,  Mac  ?  " 

As  it  was  growing  late,  I  had  arisen,  and  saying 
that  I  expected  to  move  camp  to-morrow,  invited 
the  party  to  join  me  at  the  bar.  I  informed  the 
buyers,  during  the  few  minutes'  interim,  that  if  they 


WHEN   GREEK  MEETS   GREEK        109 

wished  to  look  the  cattle  over  again,  the  herd  would 
cross  the  river  below  old  Fort  Dodge  about  noon 
the  next  day.  They  thanked  me  for  the  information, 
saying  it  was  quite  possible  that  they  might  drive 
down,  and  discussing  the  matter  we  all  passed  into 
the  street.  With  the  understanding  that  the  pros 
pect  of  making  a  deal  was  not  hopeless,  Siringo 
excused  himself,  and  we  strolled  away  together. 
No  sooner  was  the  coast  clear  than  I  informed  the 
detective  of  the  arrival  of  my  brother,  putting  him 
in  possession  of  every  fact  regarding  Archie  Tolles- 
ton.  He  readily  agreed  with  me  that  the  recent 
break  between  the  latter  and  his  former  employer 
was  a  dangerous  factor,  and  even  went  so  far  as  to 
say  that  Tolleston's  posing  as  a  trail-cutter  at  Doan's 
Crossing  was  more  than  likely  a  ruse.  I  was  giving 
the  detective  a  detailed  description  of  Archie,  when 
he  stopped  me  and  asked  what  his  special  weak 
nesses  were,  if  he  had  any.  "  Whiskey  and  women," 
I  replied.  "  That 's  good,"  said  he,  "  and  I  want  you 
to  send  me  in  one  of  your  best  men  in  the  morning 
—  I  mean  one  who  will  drink  and  carouse.  He  can 
watch  the  trains,  and  if  this  fellow  shows  up,  we  '11 
keep  him  soaked  and  let  him  enjoy  himself.  Send 
me  one  that 's  good  for  a  ten  days'  protracted  drunk. 
You  think  the  other  herds  will  be  here  within  a  few 
days  ?  That 's  all  I  want  to  know." 

I  reached  camp  a  little  before  dark,  and  learned 
that  Bob's  herd  had  dropped  in  just  below 'us  on 
the  Mulberry.  He  expected  to  lie  over  a  few  days 


110  THE   OUTLET 

in  passing  Dodge,  and  I  lost  no  time  in  preparing 
to  visit  his  camp.  While  riding  out  that  evening, 
I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  send  in  Dorg  Seay,  as 
he  was  a  heady  fellow,  and  in  drinking  had  an 
oak-tan  stomach.  Taking  him  with  me,  I  rode 
down  the  Mulberry  and  reached  the  lower  camp 
just  as  my  brother  and  his  outfit  were  returning 
from  bedding-down  the  cattle.  Bob  readily  agreed 
that  the  detective's  plans  were  perfectly  feasible, 
and  offered  to  play  a  close  second  to  Seay  if  it  was 
necessary.  And  if  his  own  brother  does  say  so, 
Bob  Quirk  never  met  the  man  who  could  drink 
him  under  the  table. 

My  herd  started  early  for  the  Saw  Log,  and  the 
wagon  for  town.  Bob  had  agreed  to  go  into  Dodge 
in  the  morning,  so  Dorg  stayed  with  our  outfit  and 
was  to  go  in  with  me  after  crossing  the  river.  We 
threaded  our  way  through  the  other  herds,  and 
shortly  before  noon  made  an  easy  ford  about  a  mile 
below  old  Fort  Dodge.  As  we  came  down  to  the 
river,  a  carriage  was  seen  on  the  farther  bank,  and 
I  dropped  from  the  point  back  to  the  drag  end. 
Sure  enough,  as  we  trailed  out,  the  fiscal  agent  and 
the  buyers  were  awaiting  me.  "  Well,  Mac,  I  sold 
your  herd  last  night  after  you  left,"  said  Siringo, 
dejectedly.  "  It  was  a  kind  of  compromise  trade ; 
they  raised  the  cash  payment  to  thirty  thousand 
dollars,  and  I  split  the  difference  in  price.  The 
herd  goes  at  $29.  a  head  all  round.  So  from  now  on, 
Mac,  you  're  subject  to  these  gentlemen's  orders." 


WHEN   GREEK   MEETS   GREEK        111 

Mr.  Field,  the  elder  of  the  two  buyers,  suggested 
that  if  a  convenient  camp  could  be  found,  we  should 
lie  over  a  few  days,  when  final  instructions  would 
be  given  me.  He  made  a  memorandum  of  the  num 
ber  of  head  that  I  claimed  in  our  road  brand,  and 
asked  me  if  we  could  hold  up  the  herd  for  a  closer 
inspection.  The  lead  cattle  were  then  nearly  a  mile 
away,  and  galloping  off  to  overtake  the  point,  I  left 
the  party  watching  the  saddle  horses,  which  were 
then  fording  in  our  rear.  But  no  sooner  had 
I  reached  the  lead  and  held  up  the  herd,  than  I 
noticed  Siringo  on  the  wrangler's  horse,  coming  up 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  column  of  cattle  from 
the  vehicle.  Supposing  he  had  something  of  a  pri 
vate  nature  to  communicate,  I  leisurely  rode  down 
the  line  and  met  him. 

"Did  you  send  that  man  in  this  morning?"  he 
sternly  demanded.  I  explained  that  my  brother 
had  gone,  properly  coached,  and  that  Seay  would 
go  in  with  me  in  the  course  of  an  hour. 

"  Give  him  any  money  you  have  and  send  him 
at  once,"  commanded  the  detective.  "  Tolleston  was 
due  on  the  ten  o'clock  train,  but  it  was  an  hour 
late.  Those  buyers  wanted  me  to  wait  for  it,  so  he 
could  come  along,  but  I  urged  the  importance  of 
catching  you  at  the  ford.  Now,  send  your  man  Seay 
at  once,  get  Tolleston  beastly  drunk,  and  quarter 
him  in  some  crib  until  night." 

Unobserved  by  the  buyers,  I  signaled  Seay^  and 
gave  him  the  particulars  and  what  money  I  had. 


112  THE   OUTLET 

He  rode  back  through  the  saddle  stock,  recrossed 
the  river,  and  after  rounding  the  bend,  galloped 
away.  Siringo  continued :  "  You  see,  after  we 
traded,  they  inquired  if  you  were  a  safe  man,  say 
ing  if  you  did  n't  know  the  Yellowstone  country, 
they  had  a  man  in  sight  who  did.  That  was  last 
night,  and  it  seems  that  this  morning  they  got 
a  letter  from  Tolleston,  saying  he  would  be  there 
on  the  next  train.  They  're  either  struck  on  him, 
or  else  he  's  in  their  employ.  Mark  my  words." 

When  we  had  showed  the  herd  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  purchasers,  they  expressed  themselves  as  anx 
ious  to  return  to  town ;  but  the  fiscal  agent  of  the 
Marshall  estate  wished  to  look  over  the  saddle  horses 
first.  Since  they  were  unsold,  and  amounted  to  quite 
an  item,  he  begged  for  just  a  few  minutes'  time  to 
look  them  over  carefully.  Who  could  refuse  such 
a  reasonable  request?  The  herd  had  started  on  for 
the  Saw  Log,  while  the  remuda  had  wandered  down 
the  river  about  half  a  mile,  and  it  took  us  nearly 
an  hour  to  give  them  a  thorough  inspection.  Once 
by  ourselves,  the  detective  said,  with  a  chuckle : 
"  All  I  was  playing  for  was  to  get  as  large  a  cash 
payment  as  possible.  Those  mixed  brands  were  my 
excuse  for  the  money ;  the  Marshall  estate  might 
wait  for  theirs,  but  the  small  ranchmen  would  insist 
on  an  immediate  settlement  the  moment  the  cattle 
were  reported  sold.  If  it  was  n't  for  this  fellow 
Tolleston,  I  'd  sell  the  other  two  Buford  herds  the 
day  they  arrive,  and  then  we  could  give  The  Western 


WHEN   GREEK  MEETS   GREEK        113 

Supply  Company  the  laugh.  And  say,  when  they 
drew  me  a  draft  for  thirty  thousand  dollars  on  a 
Washington  City  bank,  I  never  let  the  ink  dry  on 
it  until  I  took  it  around  to  Wright,  Beverly  &  Co., 
and  had  them  wire  its  acceptance.  We  '11  give  Seay 
plenty  of  time,  and  I  think  there  '11  be  an  answer 
on  the  check  when  we  get  back  to  town." 


CHAPTER  VIII 
EN  PASSANT 

IT  was  intentionally  late  in  the  day  when  we 
reached  Dodge.  My  horse,  which  I  was  leading, 
gave  considerable  trouble  while  returning,  com 
pelling  us  to  drive  slow.  The  buyers  repeatedly 
complained  that  dinner  would  be  over  at  their  hotel, 
but  the  detective  knew  of  a  good  restaurant  and 
promised  all  of  us  a  feast.  On  reaching  town,  we 
drove  to  the  stable  where  the  rig  belonged,  and 
once  free  of  the  horses,  Siringo  led  the  way  to  a 
well-known  night-and-day  eating-house  on  a  back 
street.  No  sooner  had  we  entered  the  place  than 
I  remembered  having  my  wagon  in  town,  and  the 
necessity  of  its  reaching  camp  before  darkness  made 
my  excuse  imperative.  I  hurried  around  to  the  out 
fitting  house  and  found  the  order  filled  and  all  ready 
to  load  into  the  wagon.  But  Parent  was  missing, 
and  in  skirmishing  about  to  locate  him,  I  met  my 
brother  Bob.  Tolleston  had  arrived,  but  his  pre 
sence  had  not  been  discovered  until  after  Seay 
reached  town.  Archie  was  fairly  well  "  organized  " 
and  had  visited  the  hotel  where  the  buyers  were 
stopping,  leaving  word  for  them  of  his  arrival.  My 
brother  and  Seay  had  told  him  that  they  had  met, 


EN   PASSANT  115 

down  the  trail  that  morning,  two  cattle  buyers  by 
the  name  of  Field  and  Radcliff;  that  they  were 
inquiring  for  a  herd  belonging  to  Tom  Coleman, 
which  was  believed  to  be  somewhere  between  Dodge 
and  the  Cimarron  River.  The  two  had  assured 
Tolleston  that  the  buyers  might  not  be  back  for  a 
week,  and  suggested  a  few  drinks  in  memory  of  old 
times.  As  Archie  was  then  three  sheets  in  the  wind, 
his  effacement,  in  the  hands  of  two  rounders  like 
Dorg  Seay  and  Bob  Quirk,  was  an  easy  matter. 

Once  the  wagon  was  loaded  and  started  for  camp, 
I  returned  to  the  restaurant.  The  dinner  was  in 
progress,  and  taking  the  vacant  seat,  I  lifted  my 
glass  with  great  regularity  as  toast  after  toast  was 
drunk.  Cigars  were  ordered,  and  with  our  feet  on 
the  table,  the  fiscal  agent  said  :  "  Gentlemen,  this 
is  a  mere  luncheon  and  don't  count.  But  if  I  'm 
able  to  sell  you  my  other  two  beef  herds,  why,  I  '11 
give  you  a  blow-out  right.  We  '11  make  it  six-handed 
—  the  three  trail  foremen  and  ourselves  —  and 
damn  the  expense  so  long  as  the  cattle  are  sold. 
Champagne  will  flow  like  water,  and  when  our 
teeth  float,  we  '11  wash  our  feet  in  what 's  left." 

At  a  late  hour  the  dinner  ended.  We  were  all 
rather  unsteady  on  our  feet,  but  the  pock-marked 
detective  and  myself  formed  a  guard  of  honor  in 
escorting  the  buyers  to  their  hotel,  when  an  officious 
clerk  attempted  to  deliver  Tolleston's  message.  But 
anticipating  it,  I  interrupted  his  highness  and 
informed  him  that  we  had  met  the  party;  I  was 


116  THE  OUTLET 

a  thousand  times  obliged  to  him  for  his  kindness, 
and  forced  on  him  a  fine  cigar,  which  had  been 
given  me  by  Bob  Wright  of  the  outfitting  store. 
While  Siringo  and  the  buyers  passed  upstairs, 
I  entertained  the  office  force  below  with  an  account 
of  the  sale  of  my  herd,  constantly  referring  to  my 
new  employers.  The  fiscal  agent  returned  shortly, 
bought  some  cigars  at  the  counter,  asked  if  he  could 
get  a  room  for  the  night,  in  case  he  was  detained 
in  town,  and  then  we  passed  out  of  the  hotel.  This 
afforded  me  the  first  opportunity  to  notify  Siringo 
of  the  presence  of  Tolleston,  and  I  withheld  nothing 
which  was  to  his  interest  to  know.  But  he  was 
impatient  to  learn  if  the  draft  had  been  accepted, 
and  asking  me  to  bring  my  brother  to  his  room 
within  half  an  hour,  he  left  me. 

It  was  growing  late  in  the  day.  The  sun  had 
ahead}'  set  when  I  found  my  brother,  who  was 
anxious  to  return  to  his  camp  for  the  night.  But 
I  urged  his  seeing  Siringo  first,  and  after  waiting 
in  the  latter's  room  some  time,  he  burst  in  upon  us 
with  a  merry  chuckle.  "  Well,  the  draft  was  paid 
all  right,"  said  he  ;  "  and  this  is  Bob  Quirk.  Boys, 
things  are  coming  nicely.  This  fellow  Tolleston  is 
the  only  cloud  in  the  sky.  If  we  can  keep  him  down 
for  a  week,  and  the  other  herds  come  in  shortly, 
I  see  nothing  to  thwart  our  plans.  Where  have 
you  picketed  Tolleston  ?  " 

"  Around  in  Dutch  Jake's  crib,"  replied  Bob. 

"  That 's  good,"  continued  the  fiscal  agent, "  and 


EN  PASSANT  117 

I  '11  just  drop  in  to-night  and  see  the  madam.  A 
little  money  will  go  a  long  way  with  her,  and  in  a 
case  like  this,  the  devil  himself  would  be  a  welcome 
ally.  You  boys  stay  in  town  as  much  as  you  can 
and  keep  Tolleston  snowed  deep,  and  I  '11  take  the 
buyers  down  the  trail  in  the  morning  and  meet 
the  herds  coming  up." 

My  brother  returned  to  his  camp,  and  Siringo 
and  I  separated  for  the  time  being.  In  '84  Dodge, 
the  Port  Said  of  the  plains,  was  in  the  full  flower 
of  her  wickedness.  Literally  speaking,  night  was 
turned  into  day  in  the  old  trail  town,  for  with  the 
falling  of  darkness,  the  streets  filled  with  people. 
Restaurants  were  crowded  with  women  of  the  half- 
world,  bar-rooms  thronged  with  the  wayfaring 
man,  while  in  gambling  and  dance  halls  the  range 
men  congregated  as  if  on  special  invitation.  The 
familiar  bark  of  the  six-shooter  was  a  matter  of 
almost  nightly  occurrence ;  a  dispute  at  the  gaming 
table,  a  discourteous  word  spoken,  or  the  rivalry 
for  the  smile  of  a  wanton  was  provocation  for  the 
sacrifice  of  human  life.  Here  the  man  of  the  plains 
reverted  to  and  gave  utterance  to  the  savagery  of 
his  nature,  or,  on  the  other  hand,  was  as  chivalrous 
as  in  the  days  of  heraldry. 

I  knew  the  town  well,  this  being  my  third  trip 
over  the  trail,  and  mingled  with  the  gathering 
throng.  Near  midnight,  and  when  in  the  Lady  Gay 
dance-hall,  I  was  accosted  by  Dorg  Seay  and  the 
detective.  They  had  just  left  Dutch  Jake's,  and 


118  THE   OUTLET 

reported  all  quiet  on  the  Potomac.  Seay  had  not 
only  proved  himself  artful,  but  a  good  fellow,  and 
had  unearthed  the  fact  that  Tolleston  had  been  in 
the  employ  of  Field  and  Radcliff  for  the  past  three 
months,  "  You  see,"  said  Dorg,  "  Archie  never 
knew  me  except  the  few  days  that  I  was  about 
headquarters  in  Medina  before  we  started.  He 
fully  believes  that  I  've  been  discharged  —  and  with 
three  months'  pay  in  my  hip-pocket.  The  play  now 
is  that  he 's  to  first  help  me  spend  my  wages,  and 
then  I'm  to  have  a  job  under  him  with  beeves 
which  he  expects  to  drive  to  the  Yellowstone.  He 
has  intimated  that  he  might  be  able  to  give  me 
a  herd.  So,  Tom,  if  I  come  out  there  and  take  pos 
session  of  your  cattle,  don't  be  surprised.  There 's 
only  one  thing  to  beat  our  game  —  I  can't  get  him 
so  full  but  what  he 's  over-anxious  to  see  his  em 
ployers.  But  if  you  fellows  furnish  the  money, 
I  '11  try  and  pickle  him  until  he  forgets  them." 

The  next  morning  Siringo  and  the  buyers  started 
south  on  the  trail,  and  I  rode  for  my  camp  on  the 
Saw  Log.  Before  riding  many  miles  I  sighted  my 
outfit  coming  in  a  long  lope  for  town.  They  re 
ported  everything  serene  at  camp,  and  as  many  of 
the  boys  were  moneyless,  I  turned  back  with  them. 
An  enjoyable  day  was  before  us  ;  some  drank  to 
their  hearts'  content,  while  all  gambled  with  more 
or  less  success.  I  was  anxious  that  the  outfit  should 
have  a  good  carouse,  and  showed  the  lights  and 
shadows  of  the  town  with  a  pride  worthy  of  one  of 


EN  PASSANT  119 

its  founders.  Acting  the  host,  I  paid  for  our  din 
ners  ;  and  as  we  sauntered  into  the  street,  puffing 
vile  cigars,  we  nearly  ran  amuck  of  Dorg  Seay  and 
Archie  Tolleston,  trundling  a  child's  wagon  between 
them  up  the  street.  We  watched  them,  keeping 
a  judicious  distance,  as  they  visited  saloon  after 
saloon,  the  toy  wagon  always  in  possession  of  one 
or  the  other. 

While  we  were  amusing  ourselves  at  the  antics 
of  these  two,  niy  attention  was  attracted  by  a  four- 
mule  wagon  pulling  across  the  bridge  from  the 
south.  On  reaching  the  railroad  tracks,  I  recog 
nized  the  team,  and  also  the  driver,  as  Quince 
Forrest's.  Here  was  news,  and  accordingly  I  ac 
costed  him.  Fortunately  he  was  looking  for  me  or 
my  brother,  as  his  foreman  could  not  come  in  with 
the  wagon,  and  some  one  was  wanted  to  vouch  for 
him  in  getting  the  needed  supplies.  They  had 
reached  the  Mulberry  the  evening  before,  but  sev 
eral  herds  had  mixed  in  a  run  during  the  night, 
though  their  cattle  had  escaped.  Forrest  was  deter 
mined  not  to  risk  a  second  night  on  that  stream, 
and  had  started  his  herd  with  the  dawn,  expecting 
to  camp  with  his  cattle  that  night  west  on  Duck 
Creek.  The  herd  was  then  somewhere  between  the 
latter  and  the  main  Arkansaw,  and  the  cook  was 
anxious  to  secure  the  supplies  and  reach  the  outfit 
before  darkness  overtook  him.  Sponsilier  was  re 
ported  as  two  days  behind  Forrest  when  the  latter 
crossed  the  Cimarron,  since  when  there  had  been  no 


120  THE   OUTLET 

word  from  his  cattle.  They  had  met  the  buyers  near 
the  middle  of  the  forenoon,  and  when  Forrest 
admitted  having  the  widow  Timberlake's  beef  herd, 
they  turned  back  and  were  spending  the  day  with 
the  cattle. 

The  situation  demanded  instant  action.  Taking 
Forrest's  cook  around  to  our  outfitting  store,  I  intro 
duced  and  vouched  for  him.  Hurrying  back,  I  sent 
Wayne  Outcault,  as  he  was  a  stranger  to  Tolleston, 
to  mix  with  the  two  rascals  and  send  Seay  to  me  at 
once.  Some  little  time  was  consumed  in  engaging 
Archie  in  a  game  of  pool,  but  when  Dorg  presented 
himself  I  lost  no  time  in  explaining  the  situation. 
He  declared  that  it  was  no  longer  possible  to  interest 
Tolleston  at  Dutch  Jake's  crib  during  the  day,  and 
that  other  means  of  amusement  must  be  resorted 
to,  as  Archie  was  getting  clamorous  to  find  his  em 
ployers.  To  my  suggestion  to  get  a  livery  rig  and 
take  him  for  a  ride,  Dorg  agreed.  "  Take  him  down 
the  river  to  Spearville,"  I  urged,  "  and  try  and  break 
into  the  calaboose  if  you  can.  Paint  the  town  red 
while  you  're  about  it,  and  if  you  both  land  in  the 
lock-up,  all  the  better.  If  the  rascal  insists  on  coming 
back  to  Dodge,  start  after  night,  get  lost,  and  land 
somewhere  farther  down  the  river.  Keep  him  away 
from  this  town  for  a  week,  and  I  '11  gamble  that  you 
boss  a  herd  for  old  man  Don  next  year." 

The  afternoon  was  waning.  The  buyers  might 
return  at  any  moment,  as  Forrest's  herd  had  no 
doubt  crossed  the  river  but  a  few  miles  above  town. 


EN  PASSANT  121 

I  was  impatiently  watching  the  boys,  as  Dorg  and 
Wayne  cautiously  herded  Tolleston  around  to  a 
livery  stable,  when  my  brother  Bob  rode  up.  He 
informed  me  that  he  had  moved  his  camp  that  day 
across  to  the  Saw  Log ;  that  he  had  done  so  to  ac 
commodate  Jim  Flood  and  The  Rebel  with  a  camp ; 
their  herds  were  due  on  the  Mulberry  that  evening. 
The  former  had  stayed  all  night  at  Bob's  wagon, 
and  reported  his  cattle,  considering  the  dry  season, 
in  good  condition.  As  my  brother  expected  to  remain 
in  town  overnight,  I  proposed  starting  for  my  camp 
as  soon  as  Seay  and  his  ward  drove  out  of  sight. 
They  parleyed  enough  before  going  to  unnerve 
a  saint,  but  finally,  with  the  little  toy  wagon  on 
Tolleston 's  knee  and  the  other  driving,  they  started. 
Hurrahing  my  lads  to  saddle  up,  we  rode  past  the 
stable  where  Seay  had  secured  the  conveyance  ;  and 
while  I  was  posting  the  stable-keeper  not  to  be 
uneasy  if  the  rig  was  gone  a  week,  Siringo  and  the 
buyers  drove  past  the  barn  with  a  flourish.  Taking 
a  back  street,  we  avoided  meeting  them,  and  just 
as  darkness  was  falling,  rode  into  our  camp  some 
twelve  miles  distant. 

My  brother  Bob's  camp  was  just  above  us  on  the 
creek,  and  a  few  miles  nearer  town.  As  his  wagon 
expected  to  go  in  after  supplies  the  next  morning, 
a  cavalcade  of  fifteen  men  from  the  two  outfits 
preceded  it.  My  horse-wrangler  had  made  arrange 
ments  with  the  cook  to  look  after  his  charges,  and 
in  anticipation  of  the  day  before  him,  had  our 


122  THE   OUTLET 

mounts  corralled  before  sun-up.  Bob's  wrangler  was 
also  with  us,  and  he  and  Levering  quarreled  all  the 
way  in  about  the  respective  merits  of  each  one's 
remuda.  A  match  was  arranged  between  the  two 
horses  which  they  were  riding,  and  on  reaching 
a  straight  piece  of  road,  my  man  won  it  and  also 
considerable  money.  But  no  matter  how  much  we 
differed  among  ourselves,  when  the  interests  of  our 
employer  were  at  stake,  we  were  a  unit.  On  reach 
ing  town,  our  numbers  were  augmented  by  fully 
twenty  more  from  the  other  Lovell  outfits,  including 
the  three  foremen.  My  old  bunkie,  The  Rebel, 
nearly  dragged  me  from  my  horse,  while  Forrest 
and  I  forgot  past  differences  over  a  social  glass. 
And  then  there  was  Flood,  my  first  foreman,  under 
whom  I  served  my  apprenticeship  on  the  trail,  the 
same  quiet,  languid  old  Jim.  The  various  foremen 
and  their  outfits  were  aware  of  the  impending 
trouble  over  the  Buford  delivery,  and  quietly  ex 
pressed  their  contempt  for  such  underhand  dealings. 
Quince  Forrest  had  spent  the  evening  before  in 
town,  and  about  midnight  his  herd  of  "  Drooping 
T's  "  were  sold  at  about  the  same  figures  as  mine, 
except  five  thousand  more  earnest-money,  and  the 
privilege  of  the  buyers  placing  their  own  foreman 
in  charge  thereafter.  Forrest  further  reported  that 
the  fiscal  agent  and  the  strangers  had  started  to 
meet  Sponsilier  early  that  morning,  and  that  the 
probability  of  all  the  herds  moving  out  in  a  few 
days  was  good. 


EN   PASSANT  123 

Seay  and  his  charge  were  still  absent,  and  the 
programme,  as  outlined,  was  working  out  nicely. 
With  the  exception  of  Forrest  and  myself,  the  other 
foremen  were  busy  looking  after  their  outfits, 
while  Bob  Quirk  had  his  wagon  to  load  and  start 
on  its  return.  Quince  confided  to  me  that  though  he 
had  stayed  on  Duck  Creek  the  night  before,  his  herd 
would  noon  that  day  on  Saw  Log,  and  camp  that 
evening  on  the  next  creek  north.  When  pressed 
for  his  reasons,  he  shrugged  his  shoulders,  and  with 
a  quiet  wink,  said :  "  If  this  new  outfit  put  a  man 
over  me,  just  the  minute  we  get  out  of  the  jurisdic 
tion  of  this  county,  off  his  horse  he  goes  and  walks 
back.  If  it's  Tolleston,  the  moment  he  sees  me 
and  recognizes  my  outfit  as  belonging  to  Lovell, 
he  '11  raise  the  long  yell  and  let  the  cat  out.  When 
that  happens,  I  want  to  be  in  an  unorganized  coun 
try  where  a  six-shooter  is  the  highest  authority." 
The  idea  was  a  new  one  to  me,  and  I  saw  the  advan 
tage  of  it,  but  could  not  move  without  Siringo's 
permission,  which  Forrest  had.  Accordingly  about 
noon,  Quince  summoned  his  men  together,  and  they 
rode  out  of  town.  Looking  up  a  map  of  Ford 
County,  I  was  delighted  to  find  that  my  camp  on 
Saw  Log  was  but  a  few  miles  below  the  north  line. 

Among  the  boys  the  day  passed  in  riotousness. 
The  carousing  was  a  necessary  stimulant  after  the 
long,  monotonous  drive  and  exposure  to  the  ele 
ments.  Near  the  middle  of  the  forenoon,  Flood 
and  The  Rebel  rounded  up  their  outfits  and  started 


124  THE   OUTLET 

south  for  the  Mulberry,  while  Bob  Quirk  gathered 
his  own  and  my  lads  preparatory  to  leaving  for  the 
Saw  Log.  I  had  agreed  to  remain  on  guard  for 
that  night,  for  with  the  erratic  turn  on  Tolleston's 
part,  we  were  doubly  cautious.  But  when  my  outfit 
was  ready  to  start,  Runt  Pickett,  the  fisety  little 
rascal,  had  about  twenty  dollars  in  his  possession 
which  he  insisted  on  gambling  away  before  leaving 
town.  Runt  was  comfortably  drunk,  and  as  Bob 
urged  humoring  him,  I  gave  my  consent,  provided 
he  would  place  it  all  at  one  bet,  to  which  Pickett 
agreed.  Leaving  the  greater  part  of  the  boys  hold 
ing  the  horses,  some  half-dozen  of  us  entered  the 
nearest  gambling-house,  and  Runt  bet  nineteen 
dollars  "  Alee "  on  the  first  card  which  fell  in  a 
monte  lay-out.  To  my  chagrin,  he  won.  My  brother 
was  delighted  over  the  little  rascal's  luck,  and  urged 
him  to  double  his  bet,  but  Pickett  refused  and 
invited  us  all  to  have  a  drink.  Leaving  this  place, 
we  entered  the  next  gaming-hall,  when  our  man 
again  bet  nineteen  dollars  alee  on  the  first  card. 
Again  he  won,  and  we  went  the  length  of  the  street, 
Runt  wagering  nineteen  dollars  alee  on  the  first 
card  for  ten  consecutive  times  without  losing  a 
bet.  In  his  groggy  condition,  the  prospect  of  losing 
Pickett's  money  was  hopeless,  and  my  brother  and 
I  promised  him  that  he  might  come  back  the  next 
morning  and  try  to  get  rid  of  his  winnings. 

Two  whole  days  passed  with  no  report  from  either 
Seay  or   the  buyers.    Meanwhile  Flood  and  The 


EN   PASSANT  125 

Rebel  threaded  their  way  through  the  other  herds, 
crossing  the  Arkansaw  above  town,  their  wagons 
touching  at  Dodge  for  new  supplies,  never  halting 
except  temporarily  until  they  reached  the  creek 
on  which  Forrest  was  encamped.  The  absence  of 
Siringo  and  the  buyers,  to  my  thinking,  was  favor 
able,  for  no  doubt  when  they  came  in,  a  deal  would 
have  been  effected  on  the  last  of  the  Buford  herds. 
They  returned  some  time  during  the  night  of  the 
third  day  out,  and  I  failed  to  see  the  detective  be 
fore  sunrise  the  next  morning.  When  I  did  meet 
him,  everything  seemed  so  serene  that  I  felt  jubilant 
over  the  outlook.  Sponsilier's  beeves  had  firmly 
caught  the  fancy  of  the  buyers,  and  the  delay  in 
closing  the  trade  was  only  temporary.  "  I  can  close 
the  deal  any  minute  I  want  to,"  said  Siringo  to  me, 
"  but  we  must  n't  appear  too  anxious. '  Old  man 
Don's  idea  was  to  get  about  one  hundred  thousand 
dollars  earnest-money  in  hand,  but  if  I  can  get  five 
or  ten  more,  it  might  help  tide  us  all  over  a  hard 
winter.  My  last  proposition  to  the  buyers  was  that 
if  they  would  advance  forty-five  thousand  dollars 
on  the  '  Apple  '  beeves  —  Sponsilier's  cattle  —  they 
might  appoint,  at  the  seller's  expense,  their  own 
foreman  from  Dodge  to  the  point  of  delivery.  They 
have  agreed  to  give  me  an  answer  this  morning, 
and  after  sleeping  over  it,  I  look  for  no  trouble  in 
closing  the  trade." 

The  buyers  were  also  astir  early.    I  met  Mr.  Field 
in  the  post-office,  where  he  was  waiting  for  it  to 


126  THE   OUTLET 

open.  To  his  general  inquiries  I  reported  everything 
quiet,  but  suggested  we  move  camp  soon  or  the 
cattle  would  become  restless.  He  listened  very  at 
tentively,  and  promised  that  within  a  few  days  per 
mission  would  be  given  to  move  out  for  our  final 
destination.  The  morning  were  the  quiet  hours  of 
the  town,  and  when  the  buyers  had  received  and 
gone  over  their  large  and  accumulated  mail,  the 
partners  came  over  to  the  Dodge  House,  looking  for 
the  fiscal  agent,  as  I  supposed,  to  close  the  trade  on 
Sponsilier's  cattle.  Siringo  was  the  acme  of  indif 
ference,  but  listened  to  a  different  tale.  A  trusted 
man,  in  whom  they  had  placed  a  great  deal  of  con 
fidence,  had  failed  to  materialize.  He  was  then 
overdue  some  four  or  five  days,  and  foul  play  was 
suspected.  The  wily  detective  poured  oil  on  the 
troubled  waters,  assuring  them  if  their  man  failed 
to  appear  within  a  day  or  two,  he  would  gladly 
render  every  assistance  in  looking  him  up.  Another 
matter  of  considerable  moment  would  be  the  arrival 
that  morning  of  a  silent  partner,  the  financial  man 
of  the  firm  from  Washington,  D.  C.  He  was  due 
to  arrive  on  the  "  Cannon  Ball "  at  eight  o'clock, 
and  we  all  sauntered  down  to  meet  the  train  from 
the  East.  On  its  arrival,  Siringo  and  I  stood  back 
among  the  crowd,  but  the  buyers  pushed  forward, 
looking  for  their  friend.  The  first  man  to  alight 
from  the  day  coach,  coatless  and  with  both  eyes 
blackened,  was  Archie  Tolleston ;  he  almost  fell 
into  the  arms  of  our  cattle  buyers.  I  recognized 


EN   PASSANT  127 

Archie  at  a  glance,  and  dragging  the  detective  in 
side  the  waiting-room,  posted  him  as  to  the  arrival 
with  the  wild  look  and  blood-shot  optics.  Siringo 
cautioned  me  to  go  to  his  room  and  stay  there, 
promising  to  report  as  the  day  advanced. 

Sponsilier  had  camped  the  night  before  on  the 
main  river,  and  as  I  crossed  to  the  hotel,  his  com 
missary  pulled  up  in  front  of  Wright,  Beverly 
&  Co.'s  outfitting  store.  Taking  the  chances  of 
being  seen,  I  interviewed  Dave's  cook,  and  learned 
that  his  foreman  had  given  him  an  order  for  the 
supplies,  and  that  Sponsilier  would  not  come  in 
until  after  the  herd  had  passed  the  Saw  Log.  As 
I  turned  away,  my  attention  was  attracted  by  the 
deference  being  shown  the  financial  man  of  the 
cattle  firm,  as  the  party  wended  their  way  around 
to  the  Wright  House.  The  silent  member  of  the 

O 

firm  was  a  portly  fellow,  and  there  was  no  one  in 
the  group  but  did  him  honor,  even  the  detective 
carrying  a  light  grip,  while  Tolleston  lumbered 
along  with  a  heavy  one. 

My  effacement  was  only  temporary,  as  Siringo 
appeared  at  his  room  shortly  afterward.  "  Well, 
Quirk,"  said  he,  with  a  smile,  "  I  reckon  my  work  is 
all  done.  Field  and  Radcliff  did  n't  feel  like  talk 
ing  business  this  morning,  at  least  until  they  had 
shown  the  financial  member  their  purchases,  both 
real  and  prospective.  Yes,  they  took  the  fat  Colonel 
and  Tolleston  with  them  and  started  for  your  camp 
with  a  two-seated  rig.  From  yours  they  expect  to 


128  THE   OUTLET 

drive  to  Forrest's  camp,  and  then  meet  Sponsilier 
on  the  way  coming  back.  No ;  I  declined  a  very 
pressing  invitation  to  go  along  —  you  see  my  mixed 
herds  might  come  in  any  minute.  And  say,  that 
man  Tolleston  was  there  in  a  hundred  places  with 
the  big  conversation  ;  he  claims  to  have  been  kid 
napped,  and  was  locked  up  for  the  last  four  days. 
He  says  he  whipped  your  man  Seay,  but  could  n't 
convince  the  authorities  of  his  innocence  until  last 
night,  when  they  set  him  free.  According  to  his  re 
port,  Seay 's  in  jail  yet  at  a  little  town  down  the  road 
called  Kinsley.  Now,  I  'm  going  to  take  a  convey 
ance  to  Spearville,  and  catch  the  first  train  out 
of  there  East.  Settle  my  bill  with  this  hotel,  and 
say  that  I  may  be  out  of  town  for  a  few  days,  meet 
ing  a  herd  which  I  'm  expecting.  When  Tolleston 
recognizes  all  three  of  those  outfits  as  belonging 
to  Don  Lovell  —  well,  won't  there  be  hell  to  pay  ? 
Yes,  my  work  is  all  done." 

I  fully  agreed  with  the  detective  that  Archie 
would  recognize  the  remudas  and  outfits  as  Lov- 
ell's,  even  though  the  cattle  were  road-branded  out  of 
the  usual  "  Circle  Dot."  Siringo  further  informed 
me  that  north  of  Ford  County  was  all  an  unorgan 
ized  country  until  the  Platte  River  was  reached  at 
Ogalalla,  and  advised  me  to  ignore  any  legal  pro 
cess  served  outside  those  bounds.  He  was  impatient 
to  get  away,  and  when  he  had  put  me  in  possession 
of  everything  to  our  advantage,  we  wrung  each 
other's  hands  in  farewell.  As  the  drive  outlined  by 


EN   PASSANT  129 

the  cattle  buyers  would  absorb  the  day,  I  felt  no 
necessity  of  being  in  a  hurry.  The  absence  of  Dorg 
Seay  was  annoying,  and  the  fellow  had  done  us  such 
valiant  service,  I  felt  in  honor  bound  to  secure  his 
release.  Accordingly  I  wired  the  city  marshal  at 
Kinsley,  and  received  a  reply  that  Seay  had  been 
released  early  that  morning,  and  had  started  over 
land  for  Dodge.  This  was  fortunate,  and  after 
settling  all  bills,  I  offered  to  pay  the  liveryman 
in  advance  for  the  rig  in  Seay's  possession,  assuring 
him  by  the  telegram  that  it  would  return  that  even 
ing.  He  refused  to  make  any  settlement  until  the 
condition  of  both  the  animal  and  the  conveyance 
had  been  passed  upon,  and  fearful  lest  Dorg  should 
come  back  moneyless,  I  had  nothing  to  do  but  await 
his  return.  I  was  growing  impatient  to  reach  camp, 
there  being  no  opportunity  to  send  word  to  my  out 
fit,  and  the  passing  hours  seemed  days,  when  late 
in  the  afternoon  Dorg  Seay  drove  down  the  main 
street  of  Dodge  as  big  as  a  government  beef  buyer. 
The  liveryman  was  pleased  and  accepted  the  regu 
lar  rate,  and  Dorg  and  I  were  soon  galloping  out  of 
town.  As  we  neared  the  first  divide,  we  dropped 
our  horses  into  a  walk  to  afford  them  a  breathing 
spell,  and  in  reply  to  my  fund  of  information,  Seay 
said: 

"  So  Tolleston  's  telling  that  he  licked  me.  Well, 
that 's  a  good  one  on  this  one  of  old  man  Seay's 
boys.  Archie  must  have  been  crazy  with  the  heat. 
The  fact  is  that  he  had  been  trying  to  quit  me  for 


130  THE   OUTLET 

several  days.  We  had  exhausted  every  line  of 
dissipation,  and  when  I  decided  that  it  was  no  longer 
possible  to  hold  him,  I  insulted  and  provoked  him 
into  a  quarrel,  and  we  were  both  arrested.  Licked 
me,  did  he  ?  He  could  n't  lick  his  upper  lip." 


CHAPTER  IX 
AT  SHERIFFS   CREEK 

THE  sun  had  nearly  set  when  we  galloped  into  Bob 
Quirk's  camp.  Halting  only  long  enough  to  advise 
my  brother  of  the  escape  of  Tolleston  and  his  join 
ing  the  common  enemy,  I  asked  him  to  throw  any 
pursuit  off  our  trail,  as  I  proposed  breaking  camp 
that  evening.  Seay  and  myself  put  behind  us  the 
few  miles  between  the  two  wagons,  and  dashed  up 
to  mine  just  as  the  outfit  were  corralling  the  remuda 
for  night-horses.  Orders  rang  out,  and  instead  of 
catching  our  regular  guard  mounts,  the  boys  picked 
the  best  horses  in  their  strings.  The  cattle  were 
then  nearly  a  mile  north  of  camp,  coming  in  slowly 
towards  the  bed-ground,  but  a  half-dozen  of  us 
rushed  away  to  relieve  the  men  on  herd  and  turn 
the  beeves  back.  The  work-mules  were  harnessed  in, 
and  as  soon  as  the  relieved  herders  secured  mounts, 
our  camp  of  the  past  few  days  was  abandoned.  The 
twilight  of  evening  was  upon  us,  and  to  the  rat 
tling  of  the  heavily  loaded  wagon  and  the  shouting 
of  the  wrangler  in  our  rear  were  added  the  old 
herd  songs.  The  cattle,  without  trail  or  trace  to 
follow,  and  fit  ransom  for  a  dozen  kings  in  pagan 
ages,  moved  north  as  if  imbued  with  the  spirit  of 
the  occasion. 


132  THE   OUTLET 

A  fair  moon  favored  us.  The  night  was  an  ideal 
one  for  work,  and  about  twelve  o'clock  we  bedded- 
down  the  herd  and  waited  for  dawn.  As  we  ex 
pected  to  move  again  with  the  first  sign  of  day,  no 
one  cared  to  sleep ;  our  nerves  were  under  a  high 
tension  with  expectation  of  what  the  coming  day 
might  bring  forth.  Our  location  was  an  unknown 
quantity.  All  agreed  that  we  were  fully  ten  miles 
north  of  the  Saw  Log,  and,  with  the  best  reasoning 
at  my  command,  outside  the  jurisdiction  of  Ford 
County.  The  regular  trail  leading  north  was  some 
six  or  eight  miles  to  the  west,  and  fearful  that  we 
had  not  reached  unorganized  territory,  I  was  deter 
mined  to  push  farther  on  our  course  before  veering 
to  the  left.  The  night  halt,  however,  afforded  us 
an  opportunity  to  compare  notes  and  arrive  at  some 
definite  understanding  as  to  the  programme  of  the 
forthcoming  day.  "  Quirk,  you  missed  the  sight  of 
your  life,"  said  Jake  Blair,  as  we  dismounted  around 
the  wagon,  after  bedding  the  cattle,  "  by  not  being 
there  when  the  discovery  was  made  that  these 
'  Open  A's '  were  Don  Lovell's  cattle.  Tolleston,  of 
course,  made  the  discovery ;  but  I  think  he  must 
have  smelt  the  rat  in  advance.  Archie  and  the 
buyers  arrived  for  a  late  dinner,  and  several  times 
Tolleston  ran  his  eye  over  one  of  the  boys  and 
asked,  '  Have  n't  I  met  you  somewhere  ? '  but  none 
of  them  could  recall  the  meeting.  Then  he  got  to 
nosing  around  the  wagon  and  noticing  every  horse 
about  camp.  The  road-brand  on  the  cattle  threw 


AT   SHERIFF'S   CREEK  133 

him  off  the  scent  just  for  a  second,  but  when  he 
began  reading  the  ranch- brands,  he  took  a  new 
hold.  As  he  looked  over  the  remuda,  the  scent 
seemed  to  get  stronger,  and  when  he  noticed  the 
'  Circle  Dot '  on  those  work-mules,  he  opened  up  and 
bayed  as  if  he  had  treed  something.  And  sure 
enough  he  had ;  for  you  know,  Tom,  those  calico 
lead  mules  belonged  in  his  team  last  year,  and  he 
swore  he  'd  know  them  in  hell,  brand  or  no  brand. 
When  Archie  announced  the  outfit,  lock,  stock,  and 
barrel,  as  belonging  to  Don  Lovell,  the  old  buyers 
turned  pale  as  ghosts,  and  the  fat  one  took  off  his 
hat  and  fanned  himself.  That  act  alone  was  worth 
the  price  of  admission.  But  when  we  boys  were 
appealed  to,  we  were  innocent  and  likewise  igno 
rant,  claiming  that  we  always  understood  that  the 
herd  belonged  to  the  Marshall  estate,  but  then  we 
were  just  common  hands  and  not  supposed  to  know 
the  facts  in  the  case.  Tolleston  argued  one  way, 
and  we  all  pulled  the  other,  so  they  drove  away, 
looking  as  if  they  hoped  it  was  n't  true.  But  it  was 
the  sight  of  your  life  to  see  that  fat  fellow  fan  him 
self  as  he  kept  repeating,  4 1  thought  you  boys 
hurried  too  much  in  buying  these  cattle.'  ' 

The  guards  changed  hourly.  No  fire  was  allowed, 
but  Parent  set  out  all  the  cold  food  available, 
and  supplementing  this  with  canned  goods,  we  had 
a  midnight  lunch.  Dorg  Seay  regaled  the  outfit 
with  his  recent  experience,  concealing  nothing,  and 
regretfully  admitting  that  his  charge  had  escaped 


134  THE   OUTLET 

before  the  work  was  finished.  A  programme  was 
outlined  for  the  morrow,  the  main  feature  of  which 
was  that,  in  case  of  pursuit,  we  would  all  tell  the 
same  story.  Dawn  came  between  three  and  four 
on  those  June  mornings,  and  with  the  first  streak 
of  gray  in  the  east  we  divided  the  outfit  and 
mounted  our  horses,  part  riding  to  push  the  cattle 
off  their  beds  and  the  others  to  round  in  the  re- 
muda.  Before  the  herd  had  grazed  out  a  half-mile, 
we  were  overtaken  by  half  the  outfit  on  fresh 
mounts,  who  at  once  took  charge  of  the  herd. 
When  the  relieved  men  had  secured  horses,  I  re 
mained  behind  and  assisted  in  harnessing  in  the 
team  and  gathering  the  saddle  stock,  a  number  of 
which  were  missed  for  lack  of  proper  light.  With 
the  wagon  once  started,  Levering  and  myself  soon 
had  the  full  remuda  in  hand  and  were  bringing  up 
the  rear  in  a  long,  swinging  trot.  Before  the  sun 
peeped  over  the  eastern  horizon,  we  passed  the  herd 
and  overtook  the  wagon,  which  was  bumping  along 
over  the  uneven  prairie.  Ordering  the  cook  to  have 
breakfast  awaiting  us  beyond  a  divide  which  crossed 
our  front,  I  turned  back  to  the  herd,  now  strung 
out  in  regular  trailing  form.  The  halt  ahead  would 
put  us  full  fifteen  miles  north  of  our  camp  on  the 
Saw  Log.  An  hour  later,  as  we  were  scaling  the 
divide,  one  of  the  point-men  sighted  a  posse  in  our 
rear,  coming  after  us  like  fiends.  I  was  riding  in 
the  swing  at  the  time,  the  herd  being  strung  out 
fully  a  mile,  and  on  catching  first  sight  of  the  pur- 


AT   SHERIFF'S   CREEK  135 

suers,  turned  and  hurried  to  the  rear.  To  my  agree 
able  surprise,  instead  of  a  sheriff's  posse,  my  brother 
and  five  of  his  men  galloped  up  and  overtook  us. 

"  Well,  Tom,  it 's  a  good  thing  you  moved  last 
night,"  said  Bob,  as  he  reined  in  his  reeking  horse. 
"  A  deputy  sheriff  and  posse  of  six  men  had  me 
under  arrest  all  night,  thinking  I  was  the  Quirk 
who  had  charge  of  Don  Lo veil's  c  Open  A '  herd. 
Yes,  they  came  to  my  camp  about  midnight,  and 
I  admitted  that  my  name  was  Quirk  and  that  we 
were  holding  Lovell's  cattle.  They  guarded  me 
until  morning,  —  I  slept  like  an  innocent  babe 
myself,  —  when  the  discovery  was  made  that  my 
herd  was  in  a  '  Circle  Dot '  road-brand  instead  of  an 
4  Open  A,'  which  their  warrant  called  for.  Besides, 
I  proved  by  fourteen  competent  witnesses,  who  had 
known  me  for  years,  that  my  name  was  Robert 
Burns  Quirk.  My  outfit  told  the  posse  that  the 
herd  they  were  looking  for  were  camped  three 
miles  below,  but  had  left  during  the  afternoon 
before,  and  no  doubt  were  then  beyond  their  baili 
wick.  I  gave  the  posse  the  horse-laugh,  but  they 
all  went  down  the  creek,  swearing  they  would  trail 
down  that  herd  of  Lovell's.  My  cattle  are  going 
to  follow  up  this  morning,  so  I  thought  I  'd  ride  on 
ahead  and  be  your  guest  in  case  there  is  any  fun 
to-day." 

The  auxiliary  was  welcomed.  The  beeves  moved 
on  up  the  divide  like  veterans  assaulting  an  in- 
trenchment.  On  reaching  a  narrow  mesa  on  the 


136  THE   OUTLET 

summit,  a  northwest  breeze  met  the  leaders,  and 
facing  it  full  in  the  eye,  the  herd  was  allowed  to 
tack  westward  as  they  went  down  the  farther  slope. 
This  watershed  afforded  a  fine  view  of  the  sur 
rounding  country,  and  from  its  apex  I  scanned  our 
rear  for  miles  without  detecting  any  sign  of  ani 
mate  life.  From  our  elevation,  the  plain  dipped 
away  in  every  direction.  Far  to  the  east,  the  de 
pression  seemed  as  real  as  a  trough  in  the  ocean 
when  seen  from  the  deck  of  a  ship.  The  meander- 
ings  of  this  divide  were  as  crooked  as  a  river,  and 
as  we  surveyed  its  course  one  of  Bob's  men  sighted 
with  the  naked  eye  two  specks  fully  five  miles  dis 
tant  to  the  northwest,  and  evidently  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  old  trail.  The  wagon  was  in  plain  view,  and 
leaving  three  of  my  boys  to  drift  the  cattle  for 
ward,  we  rode  away  with  ravenous  appetites  to 
interview  the  cook.  Parent  maintained  his  reputa 
tion  as  host,  and  with  a  lofty  conversation  reviewed 
the  legal  aspect  of  the  situation  confronting  us.  A 
hasty  breakfast  over,  my  brother  asked  for  mounts 
for  himself  and  men  ;  and  as  we  were  corralling  our 
remuda,  one  of  the  three  lads  on  herd  signaled  to 
us  from  the  mesa's  summit.  Catching'  the  nearest 
horses  at  hand,  and  taking  our  wrangler  with  us, 
we  cantered  up  the  slope  to  our  waiting  sentinel. 

"  You  can't  see  them  now,"  said  Burl  Van  Ved- 
der,  our  outlook ;  "  but  wait  a  few  minutes  and 
they  '11  come  up  on  higher  ground.  Here,  here,  you 
are  looking  a  mile  too  far  to  the  right  —  they  're 


AT   SHERIFF'S   CREEK  137 

not  following  the  cattle,  but  the  wagon's  trail. 
Keep  your  eyes  to  the  left  of  that  shale  outcropping, 
and  on  a  line  with  that  lone  tree  on  the  Saw  LOST. 

^ 

Hold  your  horses  a  minute  ;  I  've  been  watching 
them  for  half  an  hour  before  I  called  you;  be 
patient,  and  they  '11  rise  like  a  trout.  There ! 
there  comes  one  on  a  gray  horse.  See  those  two 
others  just  behind  him.  Now,  there  come  the  others 
—  six  all  told."  Sure  enough,  there  came  the  sleuths 
of  deputy  sheriffs,  trailing  up  our  wagon.  They 
were  not  over  three  miles  away,  and  after  patiently 
waiting  nearly  an  hour,  we  rode  to  the  brink  of  the 
slope,  and  I  ordered  one  of  the  boys  to  fire  his  pistol 
to  attract  their  attention.  On  hearing  the  report, 
they  halted,  and  taking  off  my  hat  I  waved  them 
forward.  Feeling  that  we  were  on  safe  territory, 
I  was  determined  to  get  in  the  first  bluff,  and  as 
they  rode  up,  I  saluted  the  leader  and  said  : 

"  Good-morning,  Mr.  Sheriff.  What  are  you 
fooling  along  on  our  wagon  track  for,  when  you 
could  have  -trailed  the  herd  in  a  long  lope  ?  Here 
we  've  wasted  a  whole  hour  waiting  for  you  to  come 
up,  just  because  the  sheriff's  office  of  Ford  County 
employs  as  deputies  c  nesters '  instead  of  plainsmen. 
But  now  since  you  are  here,  let  us  proceed  to  busi 
ness,  or  would  you  like  to  breakfast  first?  Our 
wagon  is  just  over  the  other  slope,  and  you-all  look 
pale  around  the  gills  this  morning  after  your  .long 
ride  and  sleepless  night.  Which  shall  it  be,  busi 
ness  or  breakfast  ?  " 


138  THE   OUTLET 

Haughtily  ignoring  my  irony,  the  leader  of  the 
posse  drew  from  his  pocket  several  papers,  and  first 
clearing  his  throat,  said  in  an  imperious  tone,  "  I 
have  a  warrant  here  for  the  arrest  of  Tom  Quirk, 
alias  Mclndoo,  and  a  distress  warrant  for  a  herd 
of  4  Open  A  '  —  " 

"  Old  sport,  you  're  in  the  right  church,  but  the 
wrong  pew,"  I  interrupted.  "  This  may  be  the 
state  of  Kansas,  but  at  present  we  are  outside  the 
bailiwick  of  Ford  County,  and  those  papers  of 
yours  are  useless.  Let  me  take  those  warrants  and 
I  '11  indorse  them  for  you,  so  as  to  dazzle  your  supe-. 
riors  on  their  return  without  the  man  or  property. 
I  was  deputized  once  by  a  constable  in  Texas  to 
assist  in  recovering  some  cattle,  but  just  like  the 
present  case  they  got  out  of  our  jurisdiction  before 
we  overtook  them.  The  constable  was  a  lofty,  arro 
gant  fellow  like  yourself,  but  had  sense  enough  to 
keep  within  his  rights.  But  when  it  came  to  in 
dorsing  the  warrant  for  return,  we  were  all  up  a 
stump,  and  rode  twenty  miles  out  of  our  way  so  as 
to  pass  Squire  Little's  ranch  and  get  his  advice  on 
the  matter.  The  squire  had  been  a  justice  in  Ten 
nessee  before  coming  to  our  state,  and  knew  just 
what  to  say.  Now  let  me  take  those  papers,  and 
I  '11  indorse  them  '  Non  est  inventus,'  which  is  Latin 
for  Scooted,  by  gosh  !  Ain't  you  going  to  let  me 
have  them  ?  " 

"  Now,  look  here,  young  man,"  scornfully  replied 
the  chief  deputy,  "  I  '11  —  " 


AT   SHERIFF'S   CREEK  139 

"  No,  you  won't,"  I  again  interrupted.  "  Let  me 
read  you  a  warrant  from  a  higher  court.  In  the 
name  of  law,  you  are  willing  to  prostitute  your 
office  to  assist  a  gang  of  thieves  who  have  taken 
advantage  of  an  opportunity  to  ruin  my  employer, 
an  honest  trail  drover.  The  warrant  I  'm  serving 
was  issued  by  Judge  Colt,  and  it  says  he  is  supreme 
in  unorganized  territory ;  that  your  official  au 
thority  ceases  the  moment  you  step  outside  your 
jurisdiction,  and  you  know  the  Ford  County  line 
is  behind  us.  Now,  as  a  citizen,  I  '11  treat  you 
right,  but  as  an  official,  I  won't  even  listen  to  you. 
And  what 's  more,  you  can't  arrest  me  or  any  man 
in  my  outfit ;  not  that  your  hair  's  the  wrong  color, 
but  because  you  lack  authority.  I  'm  the  man  you  're 
looking  for,  and  these  are  Don  Lovell's  cattle,  but 
you  can't  touch  a  hoof  of  them,  not  even  a  stray. 
Now,  if  you  want  to  dispute  the  authority  which 
I  've  sighted,  all  you  need  to  do  is  pull  your  guns 
and  open  your  game." 

"  Mr.  Quirk,"  said  the  deputy,  "  you  are  a  fugi 
tive  from  justice,  and  I  can  legally  take  you  wher 
ever  I  find  you.  If  you  resist  arrest,  all  the  worse, 
as  it  classes  you  an  outlaw.  Now,  my  advice  is  — 

But  the  sentence  was  never  finished,  for  coming 
down  the  divide  like  a  hurricane  was  a  band  of 
horsemen,  who,  on  sighting  us,  raised  the  long  yell, 
and  the  next  minute  Dave  Sponsilier  and  seven  of 
his  men  dashed  up.  The  boys  opened  out  to  avoid 
the  momentum  of  the  onslaught,  but  the  deputies 


140  THE   OUTLET 

sat  firm  ;  and  as  Sponsilier  and  his  lads  threw  their 
horses  back  on  their  haunches  in  halting,  Dave 
stood  in  his  stirrups,  and  waving  his  hat  shouted, 
"  Hurrah  for  Don  Lovell,  and  to  hell  with  the 
sheriff  and  deputies  of  Ford  County !  "  Sponsilier 
and  I  were  great  friends,  as  were  likewise  our  out 
fits,  and  we  nearly  unhorsed  each  other  in  our 
rough  but  hearty  greetings.  When  quiet  was  once 
more  restored,  Dave  continued  :  "  I  was  in  Dodge 
last  night,  and  Bob  Wright  put  me  next  that  the 
sheriff  was  going  to  take  possession  of  two  of  old 
man  Don's  herds  this  morning.  You  can  bet  your 
moccasins  that  the  grass  didn't  grow  very  much 
while  I  was  getting  back  to  camp.  Flood  and  The 
Rebel  took  fifteen  men  and  went  to  Quince's  sup 
port,  and  I  have  been  scouting  since  dawn  trying 
to  locate  you.  Yes,  the  sheriff  himself  and  five 
deputies  passed  up  the  trail  before  daybreak  to 
arrest  Forrest  and  take  possession  of  his  herd  — 
I  don't  think.  I  suppose  these  strangers  are  deputy 
sheriffs  ?  If  it  was  me,  do  you  know  what  I  'd  do 
with  them  ?  " 

The  query  was  half  a  command.  It  required  no 
order,  for  in  an  instant  the  deputies  were  sur 
rounded,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  cool  judgment 
of  Bob  Quirk,  violence  would  have  resulted.  The 
primitive  mind  is  slow  to  resent  an  affront,  and 
while  the  chief  deputy  had  couched  his  last  remarks 
in  well-chosen  language,  his  intimation  that  I  was 
a  fugitive  from  justice,  and  an  outlaw  in  resisting 


AT   SHERIFF'S   CREEK  141 

arrest,  was  tinder  to  stubble.  Knowing  the  metal 
of  my  outfit,  I  curbed  the  tempest  within  me,  and 
relying  on  a  brother  whom  I  would  gladly  follow  to 
death  if  need  be,  I  waved  hands  off  to  my  boys. 
"  Now,  men,"  said  Bob  to  the  deputies,  "  the  easiest 
way  out  of  this  matter  is  the  best.  No  one  here  has 
committed  any  crime  subjecting  him  to  arrest, 
neither  can  you  take  possession  of  any  cattle  be 
longing  to  Don  Lovell.  I  '11  renew  the  invitation 
for  you  to  go  down  to  the  wagon  and  breakfast,  or 
I  '11  give  you  the  best  directions  at  my  command 
to  reach  Dodge.  Instead  of  trying  to  attempt  to 
accomplish  your  object  you  had  better  go  back  to 
the  chaparral — you're  spelled  down.  Take  your 
choice,  men." 

Bob's  words  had  a  soothing  effect.  He  was 
thirty-three  years  old  and  a  natural  born  leader 
among  rough  men.  His  advice  carried  the  steely 
ring  of  sincerity,  and  for  the  first  time  since  the 
meeting,  the  deputies  wilted.  The  chief  one  called 
his  men  aside,  and  after  a  brief  consultation  my 
brother  was  invited  to  join  them,  which  he  did.  I 
afterwards  learned  that  Bob  went  into  detail  in 
defining  our  position  in  the  premises,  and  the  posse, 
once  they  heard  the  other  side  of  the  question,  took 
an  entirely  different  view  of  the  matter.  While  the 
consultation  was  in  progress,  we  all  dismounted  ; 
cigarettes  were  rolled,  and  while  the  smoke  arose 
in  clouds,  we  reviewed  the  interim  since  we  parted 
in  March  in  old  Medina.  The  sheriff's  posse  ac- 


142  THE   OUTLET 

companied  my  brother  to  the  wagon,  and  after 
refreshing  themselves,  remounted  their  horses.  Bob 
escorted  them  back  across  the  summit  of  the  mesa, 
and  the  olive  branch  waved  in  peace  on  the  divide. 
The  morning  was  not  far  advanced.  After  a  brief 
consultation,  the  two  older  foremen  urged  that  we 
ride  to  the  relief  of  Forrest.  A  hint  was  sufficient, 
and  including  five  of  my  best-mounted  men,  a  posse 
of  twenty  of  us  rode  away.  We  held  the  divide  for 
some  distance  on  our  course,  and  before  we  left  it, 
a  dust-cloud,  indicating  the  presence  of  Bob's  herd, 
was  sighted  on  the  southern  slope,  while  on  the 
opposite  one  my  cattle  were  beginning  to  move  for 
ward.  Sponsilier  knew  the  probable  whereabouts 
of  Forrest,  and  under  his  lead  we  swung  into  a  free 
gallop  as  we  dropped  down  the  northern  slope  from 
the  mesa.  The  pace  was  carrying  us  across  country 
at  a  rate  of  ten  miles  an  hour,  scarcely  a  word 
being  spoken,  as  we  shook  out  kink  after  kink  in 
our  horses  or  reined  them  in  to  recover  their  wind. 
Our  objective  point  was  a  slight  elevation  on  the 
plain,  from  which  we  expected  to  sight  the  trail  if 
not  the  herds  of  Flood,  Forrest,  and  The  Rebel.  On 
reaching  this  gentle  swell,  we  reined  in  and  halted 
our  horses,  which  were  then  fuming  with  healthy 
sweat.  Both  creek  and  trail  were  clearly  outlined 
before  us,  but  with  the  heat-waves  and  mirages  be 
yond,  our  view  was  naturally  restricted.  Sponsilier 
felt  confident  that  Forrest  was  north  of  the  creek 
and  beyond  the  trail,  and  again  shaking  out  our 


AT  SHERIFF'S   CREEK  143 

horses,  we  silently  put  the  intervening  miles  behind 
us.  Our  mounts  were  all  fresh  and  strong,  and  in 
crossing  the  creek  we  allowed  them  a  few  swallows 
of  water  before  continuing  our  ride.  We  halted 
again  in  crossing  the  trail,  but  it  was  so  worn  by 
recent  use  that  it  afforded  no  clue  to  guide  us  in 
our  quest.  But  from  the  next  vantage-point  which 
afforded  us  a  view,  a  sea  of  cattle  greeted  our 
vision,  all  of  which  seemed  under  herd.  Wagon 
sheets  were  next  sighted,  and  finally  a  horseman 
loomed  up  and  signaled  to  us.  He  proved  to  be  one 
of  Flood's  men,  and  under  his  direction  Forrest's 
camp  and  cattle  were  soon  located.  The  lad  assured 
us  that  a  pow-wow  had  been  in  session  since  day 
break,  and  we  hurried  away  to  add  our  numbers 
to  its  council.  When  we  sighted  Forrest's  wagon 
among  some  cottonwoods,  a  number  of  men  were 
just  mounting  to  ride  away,  and  before  we  reached 
camp,  they  crossed  the  creek  heading  south.  A 
moment  later,  Forrest  walked  out,  and  greeting  us, 
said  : 

"  Hello,  fellows.  Get  down  and  let  your  horses 
blow  and  enjoy  yourselves.  You  're  just  a  minute 
late  to  meet  some  very  nice  people.  Yes,  we  had  the 
sheriff  from  Dodge  and  a  posse  of  men  for  break- 
fast.  No  —  no  particular  trouble,  except  John 

Johns,  the  d fool,  threw  the  loop  of  his  rope 

over  the  neck  of  the  sheriff's  horse,  and  one  of  the 
party  offered  to  unsling  a  carbine.  But  about  a 
dozen  six-shooters  clicked  within  hearing,  and  he 


144  THE   OUTLET 

acted  on  my  advice  and  cut  gun -plays  out.  No 
trouble  at  all  except  a  big  medicine  talk,  and  a 
heap  of  legal  phrases  that  I  don't  sabe  very  clear. 
Turn  your  horses  loose,  I  tell  you,  for  I  'm  going  to 
kill  a  nice  fat  stray,  and  towards  evening,  when  the 
other  herds  come  up,  we  '11  have  a  round-up  of 
Don  Lovell's  outfits.  I  '11  make  a  little  speech,  and 
on  account  of  the  bloodless  battle  this  morning,  this 
stream  will  be  rechristened  Sheriff's  Creek." 


CHAPTER  X 
A  FAMILY  REUNION 

THE  hospitality  of  a  trail  wagon  was  aptly  ex 
pressed  in  the  invitation  to  enjoy  ourselves.  Some 
one  had  exercised  good  judgment  in  selecting  a 
camp,  for  every  convenience  was  at  hand,  including 
running  water  and  ample  shade  from  a  clump  of 
cottonwoods.  Turning  our  steaming  horses  free,  we 
threw  ourselves,  in  complete  abandonment  and  re 
laxation,  down  in  the  nearest  shade.  Unmistakable 
hints  were  given  our  host  of  certain  refreshments 
which  would  be  acceptable,  and  in  reply  Forrest 
pointed  to  a  bucket  of  creek  water  near  the  wagon 
wheel,  and  urged  us  not  to  be  at  all  backward. 

Every  one  was  well  fortified  with  brown  cigarette 
papers  and  smoking  tobacco,  and  singly  and  in 
groups  we  were  soon  smoking  like  hired  hands  and 
reviewing  the  incidents  of  the  morning.  Forrest's 
cook,  a  tall,  red-headed  fellow,  in  anticipation  of 
the  number  of  guests  his  wagon  would  entertain 
for  the  day,  put  on  the  little  and  the  big  pot.  As 
it  only  lacked  an  hour  of  noon  on  our  arrival,  the 
promised  fresh  beef  would  not  be  available  in  time 
for  dinner ;  but  we  were  not  like  guests  who  had 
to  hurry  home  —  we  would  be  right  there  when 
supper  was  ready. 


146  THE   OUTLET 

The  loss  of  a  night's  sleep  on  my  outfit  was  a 
good  excuse  for  an  after-dinner  siesta.  Untying 
our  slickers,  we  strolled  out  of  hearing  of  the  camp, 
and  for  several  hours  obliterated  time.  About  three 
o'clock  Bob  Quirk  aroused  and  informed  us  that 
he  had  ordered  our  horses,  and  that  the  signal  of 
Sponsilier's  cattle  had  been  seen  south  on  the 
trail.  Dave  was  impatient  to  intercept  his  herd 
and  camp  them  well  down  the  creek,  at  least  below 
the  regular  crossing.  This  would  throw  Bob's  and 
my  cattle  still  farther  down  the  stream  ;  and  we 
were  all  determined  to  honor  Forrest  with  our  pre 
sence  for  supper  and  the  evening  hours.  Quince's 
wrangler  rustled  in  the  horses,  and  as  we  rejoined 
the  camp  the  quarters  of  a  beef  hung  low  on  a  cot- 
tonwood,  while  a  smudge  beneath  them  warned 
away  all  insect  life.  Leaving  word  that  we  would 
return  during  the  evening,  the  eleventh-hour  guests 
rode  away  in  the  rough,  uneven  order  in  which  we 
had  arrived.  Sponsilier  and  his  men  veered  off  to 
the  south,  Bob  Quirk  and  his  lads  soon  following, 
while  the  rest  of  us  continued  on  down  the  creek. 
My  cattle  were  watering  when  we  overtook  them, 
occupying  fully  a  mile  of  the  stream,  and  nearly  an 
hour's  ride  below  the  trail  crossing.  It  takes  a  long 
time  to  water  a  big  herd  thoroughly,  and  we  re 
peatedly  turned  them  back  and  forth  across  the 
creek,  but  finally  allowed  them  to  graze  away  with 
a  broad,  fan-like  front.  As  ours  left  the  stream, 
Bob's  cattle  were  coming  in  over  a  mile  above,  and 


A  FAMILY   REUNION  147 

in  anticipation  of  a  dry  camp  that  night,  Parent 
had  been  advised  to  fill  his  kegs  and  supply  himself 
with  wood. 

Detailing  the  third  and  fourth  guard  to  wrangle 
the  remuda,  I  sent  Levering  up  the  creek  with  my 
brother's  horses  and  to  recover  our  loaned  saddle 
stock  ;  even  Bob  Quirk  was  just  thoughtless  enough 
to  construe  a  neighborly  act  into  a  horse  trade. 
About  two  miles  out  from  the  creek  and  an  equal 
distance  from  the  trail,  I  found  the  best  bed-ground 
of  the  trip.  It  sloped  to  the  northwest,  was  covered 
with  old  dry  grass,  and  would  catch  any  vagrant 
breeze  except  an  eastern  one.  The  wagon  was 
ordered  into  camp,  and  the  first  and  second  guards 
were  relieved  just  long  enough  to  secure  their  night- 
horses.  Nearly  all  of  these  two  watches  had  been 
with  me  during  the  day,  and.  on  the  return  of  Lever 
ing  with  the  horses,  we  borrowed  a  number  of  empty 
flour-sacks  for  beef,  and  cantered  away,  leaving 
behind  only  the  cook  and  the  first  two  guards. 

What  an  evening  and  night  that  was!  As  we 
passed  up  the  creek,  we  sighted  in  the  gathering 
twilight  the  camp-fires  of  Sponsilier  and  my 
brother,  several  miles  apart  and  south  of  the 
stream.  When  we  reached  Forrest's  wagon  the 
clans  were  gathering,  The  Rebel  and  his  crowd 
being  the  last  to  come  in  from  above.  Groups 
of  saddle  horses  were  tied  among  the  trees,  while 
around  two  fires  were  circles  of  men  broiling  beef 
over  live  coals.  The  red-headed  cook  had  antici- 


14-S  THE  OUTLET 

pated  forty  guests  outside  of  his  own  outfit,  and 
was  pouring  coffee  into  tin  caps  and  shying  biscuit 
right  and  left  on  request.  The  sapper  was  a  sac- 
cess,  not  on  account  of  the  spread  or  oar  superior 
table  manners,  but  we  graced  the  occasion  with 
appetites  which  required  the  staples  of  life  to 
satisfy.  Then  we  smoked,  falling  into  groups  when 
the  yarning  began.  AH  the  fresh-beef  stories  of 
our  lives,  and  they  were  legion,  were  told,  no  one 
group  paying  any  attention  to  another. 

"Every  time  I  run  a-foul  of  fresh  beef,"  said 
The  Rebel,  as  he  settled  back  comfortably  between 
the  roots  of  a  cotton  wood,  with  his  back  to  its  trunk, 
"  it  reminds  me  of  the  time  I  was  a  prisoner  among 
the  Yankees.  It  was  die  last  year  of  the  war,  and 
I  had  got  over  my  first  desire  to  personally  whip 
die  whole  North.  There  were  about  fire  thousand 
of  us  held  as  prisoners  of  war  for  eleven  months 
on  a  peninsula  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  fighting 
spirit  of  die  soldier  was  broken  in  die  majority  of 
us,  especially  among  the  older  men  and  those  who 
had  families.  Bat  we  youngsters  accepted  the  for 
tunes  of  war  and  were  glad  that  we  were  alive,  even 
if  we  were  prisoners.  In  my  mess  in  prison  there 
were  fifteen,  all  having  been  captured  at  the  same 
time,  and  many  of  as  comrades  of  three  years* 
--in  ::-_:. 

~  I  remember  the  day  we  were  taken  off  the  train 
and  marched  through  the  town  for  the  prison,  a 
Yankee  band  in  our  front  playing  national  airs  and 


A   FAMILY   REUNION  149 

favorites  of  their  army,  and  the  people  along  the 
route  jeering  ns  and  asking  how  we  liked  the  music. 
Our  mess  held  together  during  the  march,  and  some 
of  the  boys  answered  them  back  as  well  as  they 
could.  Once  inside  the  prison  stockade,  we  went 
into  quarters  and  our  mess  still  held  together.  Be 
fore  we  had  been  there  long,  one  day  there  was 
a  call  among  the  prisoners  for  volunteers  to  form  a 
roustabout  crew.  Well.  I  enlisted  as  a  roustabout. 
We  had  to  report  to  an  officer  twice  a  day,  and 
then  were  put  under  guard  and  set  to  work.  The 
kind  of  labor  I  liked  best  was  unloading  the 
supplies  for  the  prison,  which  were  landed  on  a 
near-by  wharf.  This  roustabout  crew  had  all  the 
unloading  to  do,  and  the  reason  I  liked  it  was  it 
gave  us  some  chance  to  steal.  Whenever  there 
was  anything  extra,  intended  for  the  officers,  to  be 
unloaded,  look  out  for  accidents.  Broken  crates 
were  common,  and  some  of  the  contents  was  certain 
to  reach  our  pockets  or  stomachs,  in  spite  of  the 
guard. 

44 1  was  a  willing  worker  and  stood  well  with  the 
guards.  They  never  searched  me.  and  when  they 
took  us  outside  the  stockade,  the  captain  of  the 
guard  gave  me  permission,  after  our  work  was  over, 
to  patronize  the  sutler's  store  and  buy  knick-knacks 
from  the  booths.  There  was  always  some  little 
money  amongst  soldiers,  even  in  prison,  and  I  was 
occasionally  furnished  money  by  my  messmates  to 
buy  bread  from  a  baker's  wagon  which  was  outside 


150  THE  OUTLET 

the  walls.  Well,  after  I  had  traded  a  few  times 
with  the  baker's  boy,  I  succeeded  in  corrupting 
him.  Yes,  had  him  stealing  from  his  employer 
and  selling  to  me  at  a  discount.  I  was  a  good  cus 
tomer,  and  being  a  prisoner,  there  was  no  danger  of 
my  meeting  his  employer.  You  see  the  loaves  were 
counted  out  to  him,  and  he  had  to  return  the  equiv 
alent  or  the  bread.  At  first  the  bread  cost  me  ten 
cents  for  a  small  loaf,  but  when  I  got  my  scheme 
working,  it  did  n't  cost  me  five  cents  for  the  largest 
loaves  the  boy  could  steal  from  the  bakery.  I 
worked  that  racket  for  several  months,  and  if  we 
had  n't  been  exchanged,  I  'd  have  broke  that  baker, 
sure. 

"  But  the  most  successful  scheme  I  worked  was 
stealing  the  kidneys  out  of  beef  while  we  were 
handling  it.  It  was  some  distance  from  the  wharf 
to  the  warehouse,  and  when  I  'd  get  a  hind  quarter 
of  beef  on  my  shoulder,  it  was  an  easy  trick  to 
burrow  my  hand  through  the  tallow  and  get  a  good 
grip  on  the  kidney.  Then  when  I'd  throw  the 
quarter  down  in  the  warehouse,  it  would  be  minus 
a  kidney,  which  secretly  found  lodgment  in  a  large 
pocket  in  the  inside  of  my  shirt.  I  was  satisfied 
with  one  or  two  kidneys  a  day  when  I  first  worked 
the  trick,  but  my  mess  caught  on,  and  then  I  had 
to  steal  by  wholesale  to  satisfy  them.  Some  days, 
when  the  guards  were  too  watchful,  I  could  n't  get 
very  many,  and  then  again  when  things  were  lax, 
4  Elijah's  Raven '  would  get  a  kidney  for  each  man 


A  FAMILY   REUNION  151 

in  our  mess.  With  the  regular  allowance  of  rations 
and  what  I  could  steal,  when  the  Texas  troops  were 
exchanged,  our  mess  was  ragged  enough,  but  pig- 
fat,  and  slick  as  weasels.  Lord  love  you,  but  we 
were  a  great  mess  of  thieves." 

Nearly  all  of  Flood's  old  men  were  with  him 
again,  several  of  whom  were  then  in  Forrest's  camp. 
A  fight  occurred  among  a  group  of  saddle  horses 
tied  to  the  front  wheel  of  the  wagon,  among  them 
being  the  mount  of  John  Officer.  After  the  belliger 
ents  had  been  quieted,  and  Officer  had  removed 
and  tied  his  horse  to  a  convenient  tree,  he  came 
over  and  joined  our  group,  among  which  were  the 
six  trail  bosses.  Throwing  himself  down  among  us, 
and  using  Sponsilier  for  a  pillow  and  myself  for 
footstool,  he  observed  : 

"  All  you  foremen  who  have  been  over  the  Chis- 
holm  Trail  remember  the  stage-stand  called  Bull 
Foot,  but  possibly  some  of  the  boys  have  n't.  Well, 
no  matter,  it 's  just  about  midway  between  Little 
Turkey  Creek  and  Buffalo  Springs  on  that  trail, 
where  it  runs  through  the  Cherokee  Strip.  I 
worked  one  year  in  that  northern  country  —  lots  of 
Texas  boys  there  too.  It  was  just  about  the  time 
they  began  to  stock  that  country  with  Texas  steers, 
and  we  rode  lines  to  keep  our  cattle  on  their  range. 
You  bet,  there  was  riding  to  do  in  that  country 
then.  The  first  few  months  that  these  Southern 
steers  are  turned  loose  on  a  new  range,  Lord !  but 
they  do  love  to  drift  against  a  breeze.  In  any  kind 


152  THE   OUTLET 

of  a  rain-storm,  they  '11  travel  farther  in  a  night 
than  a  whole  outfit  can  turn  them  back  in  a  day. 

"  Our  camp  was  on  the  Salt  Fork  of  the  Cimar- 
ron,  and  late  in  the  fall  when  all  the  beeves  had 
been  shipped,  the  outfit  were  riding  lines  and  loose- 
herding  a  lot  of  Texas  yearlings,  and  mixed  cattle, 
natives  to  that  range.  Up  in  that  country  they  have 
Indian  summer  and  Squaw  winter,  both  occurring  in 
the  fall.  They  have  lots  of  funny  weather  up  there. 
Well,  late  one  evening  that  fall  there  came  an  early 
squall  of  Squaw  winter,  sleeted  and  spit  snow 
wickedly.  The  next  morning  there  was  n't  a  hoof 
in  sight,  and  shortly  after  daybreak  we  were  riding 
deep  in  our  saddles  to  catch  the  lead  drift  of  our 
cattle.  After  a  hard  day's  ride,  we  found  that  we 
were  out  several  hundred  head,  principally  year 
lings  of  the  through  Texas  stock.  You  all  know 
how  locoed  a  bunch  of  dogies  can  get  —  we  hunted 
for  three  days  and  for  fifty  miles  in  every  direction, 
and  neither  hide,  hair,  nor  hoof  could  we  find.  It 
was  while  we  were  hunting  these  cattle  that  my 
yarn  commences. 

"  The  big  augers  of  the  outfit  lived  in  Wichita, 
Kansas.  Their  foreman,  Bibleback  Hunt,  and  my 
self  were  returning  from  hunting  this  missing  bunch 
of  yearlings  when  night  overtook  us,  fully  twenty- 
five  miles  from  camp.  Then  this  Bull  Foot  stage 
came  to  mind,  and  we  turned  our  horses  and  rode 
to  it.  It  was  nearly  dark  when  we  reached  it,  and 
Bibleback  said  for  me  to  go  in  and  make  the  talk. 


A   FAMILY    REUNION  153 

I  '11  never  forget  that  nice  little  woman  who  met 
me  at  the  door  of  that  sod  shack.  I  told  her  our 
situation,  and  she  seemed  awfully  gracious  in  grant 
ing  us  food  and  shelter  for  the  night.  She  told  us 
we  could  either  picket  our  horses  or  put  them  in 
the  corral  and  feed  them  hay  and  grain  from  the 
stage-company's  supply.  Now,  old  Bibleback  was 
what  you  might  call  shy  of  women,  and  steered 
clear  of  the  house  until  she  sent  her  little  boy  out 
and  asked  us  to  come  in.  Well,  we  sat  around  in 
the  room,  owly-like,  and  to  save  my  soul  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  I  could  n't  think  of  a  word  that  was 
proper  to  say  to  the  little  woman,  busy  getting 
supper.  Bibleback  was  worse  off  than  I  was ;  he 
could  n't  do  anything  but  look  at  the  pictures  on 
the  wall.  What  was  worrying  me  was,  Had  she 
a  husband  ?  Or  what  was  she  doing  away  out  there 
in  that  lonesome  country  ?  Then  a  man  old  enough 
to  be  her  grandfather  put  in  an  appearance.  He 
was  friendly  and  quite  talkative,  and  I  built  right 
up  to  him.  And  then  we  had  a  supper  that  I  dis 
tinctly  remember  yet.  Well,  I  should  say  I  do  — 
it  takes  a  woman  to  get  a  good  supper,  and  cheer  it 
with  her  presence,  sitting  at  the  head  of  the  table 
and  pouring  the  coffee. 

Vj  This  old  man  was  a  retired  stage-driver,  and 
was  doing  the  wrangling  act  for  the  stage-horses. 
After  supper  I  went  out  to  the  corral  and  wormed 
the  information  out  of  him  that  the  woman  was  a 
widow  ;  that  her  husband  had  died  before  she  came 


154  THE   OUTLET 

there,  and  that  she  was  from  Michigan.  Amongst 
other  things  that  I  learned  from  the  old  man  was 
that  she  had  only  been  there  a  few  months,  and 
was  a  poor  but  deserving  woman.  I  told  Bibleback 
all  this  after  we  had  gone  to  bed,  and  we  found  that 
our  finances  amounted  to  only  four  dollars,  which 
she  was  more  than  welcome  to.  So  the  next  morn 
ing  after  breakfast,  when  I  asked  her  what  I  owed 
her  for  our  trouble,  she  replied  so  graciously :  '  Why, 
gentlemen,  I  could  n't  think  of  taking  advantage  of 
your  necessity  to  charge  you  for  a  favor  that  I  'm 
only  too  happy  to  grant.'  '  Oh,'  said  I,  '  take  this, 
anyhow,'  laying  the  silver  on  the  corner  of  the 
table  and  starting  for  the  door,  when  she  stopped 
me.  4  One  moment,  sir ;  I  can't  think  of  accepting 
this.  Be  kind  enough  to  grant  my  request,'  and  re 
turned  the  money.  We  mumbled  out  some  thanks, 
bade  her  good-day,  and  started  for  the  corral,  feeling 
like  two  sheep  thieves.  While  we  were  saddling  up 
—  will  you  believe  it  ?  —  her  little  boy  came  out  to 
the  corral  and  gave  each  one  of  us  as  fine  a  cigar 
as  ever  I  buttoned  my  lip  over.  Well,  fellows,  we 
had  had  it  put  all  over  us  by  this  little  Michigan 
woman,  till  we  could  n't  look  each  other  in  the 
face.  We  were  accustomed  to  hardship  and  neg 
lect,  but  here  was  genuine  kindness  enough  to  kill 
a  cat. 

"Until  we  got  within  five  miles  of  our  camp 
that  morning,  old  Bibleback  wouldn't  speak  to 
me  as  we  rode  along.  Then  he  turned  halfway  in 


A   FAMILY   REUNION  155 

his  saddle  and  said  :  '  What  kind  of  folks  are  those  ?' 
4 1  don't  know,'  I  replied, 4  what  kind  of  people  they 
are,  but  I  know  they  are  good  ones.'  '  Well,  I  '11 
get  even  with  that  little  woman  if  it  takes  every 
sou  in  my  war-bags,'  said  Hunt. 

"  When  within  a  mile  of  camp,  Bibleback  turned 
again  in  his  saddle  and  asked,  ;  When  is  Christ 
mas  ?  '  'In  about  five  weeks,'  I  answered.  ' Do 
you  know  where  that  big  Wyoming  stray  ranges  ? ' 
he  next  asked.  I  trailed  onto  his  game  in  a  second. 
'  Of  course  I  do.'  «  Well,'  says  he,  '  let 's  kill  him 
for  Christmas  and  give  that  little  widow  every 
ounce  of  the  meat.  It'll  be  a  good  one  on  her, 
won't  it  ?  We  '11  fool  her  a  plenty.  Say  nothing  to 
the  others,'  he  added  ;  and  giving  our  horses  the 
rein  we  rode  into  camp  on  a  gallop. 

"  Three  days  before  Christmas  we  drove  up  this 
Wyoming  stray  and  beefed  him.  We  hung  the  beef 
up  overnight  to  harden  in  the  frost,  and  the  next 
morning  bright  and  early,  we  started  for  the  stage- 
stand  with  a  good  pair  of  ponies  to  a  light  wagon. 
We  reached  the  widow's  place  about  eleven  o'clock, 
and  against  her  protests  that  she  had  no  use  for  so 
much,  we  hung  up  eight  hundred  pounds  of  as  fine 
beef  as  you  ever  set  your  peepers  on.  We  wished 
her  a  merry  Christmas,  jumped  into  the  wagon, 
clucked  to  the  ponies,  and  merely  hit  the  high 
places  getting  away.  When  we  got  well  out  of  sight 
of  the  house  —  well,  I've  seen  mule  colts  play  and 
kid  goats  cut  up  their  antics ;  I  've  seen  children 


156  THE   OUTLET 

that  was  frolicsome ;  but  for  a  man  with  gray  hair 
on  his  head,  old  Bibleback  Hunt  that  day  was  the 
happiest  mortal  I  ever  saw.  He  talked  to  the  horses  ; 
he  sang  songs;  he  played  Injun;  and  that  Christmas 
was  a  merry  one,  for  the  debt  was  paid  and  our 
little  widow  had  beef  to  throw  to  the  dogs.  I  never 
saw  her  again,  but  wherever  she  is  to-night,  if  my 
prayer  counts,  may  God  bless  her  !  " 

Early  in  the  evening  I  had  warned  my  boys  that 
we  would  start  on  our  return  at  ten  o'clock.  The 
hour  was  nearly  at  hand,  and  in  reply  to  my  in 
quiry  if  our  portion  of  the  beef  had  been  secured, 
Jack  Splann  said  that  he  had  cut  off  half  a  loin,  a 
side  of  ribs,  and  enough  steak  for  breakfast.  Splann 
and  I  tied  the  beef  to  our  cantle-strings,  and  when 
we  returned  to  the  group,  Sponsilier  was  telling  of 
the  stampede  of  his  herd  in  the  Panhandle  about 
a  month  before.  "  But  that  run  was  n't  a  circum 
stance  to  one  in  which  I  figured  once,  and  in 
broad  daylight,"  concluded  Dave.  It  required  no 
encouragement  to  get  the  story ;  all  we  had  to  do 
was  to  give  him  time  to  collect  his  thoughts. 

"  Yes,  it  was  in  the  summer  of  '73,"  he  finally 
continued.  "  It  was  my  first  trip  over  the  trail, 
and  I  naturally  fell  into  position  at  the  drag  end 
of  the  herd.  I  was  a  green  boy  of  about  eighteen 
at  the  time,  having  never  before  been  fifty  miles 
from  the  ranch  where  I  was  born.  The  herd 
belonged  to  Major  Hood,  and  our  destination  was 
Ellsworth,  Kansas.  In  those  days  they  generally 


A  FAMILY  REUNION  157 

worked  oxen  to  the  chuck- wagons,  as  they  were 
ready  sale  in  the  upper  country,  and  in  good  de 
mand  for  breaking  prairie.  I  reckon  there  must 
have  been  a  dozen  yoke  of  work-steers  in  our  herd 
that  year,  and  they  were  more  trouble  to  me  than 
all  the  balance  of  the  cattle,  for  they  were  slothful 
and  sinfully  lazy.  My  vocabulary  of  profanity  was 
worn  to  a  frazzle  before  we  were  out  a  week,  and 
those  oxen  did  n't  pay  any  more  attention  to  a  rope 
or  myself  than  to  the  buzzing  of  a  gnat. 

"  There  was  one  big  roan  ox,  called  Turk,  which 
we  worked  to  the  wagon  occasionally,  but  in  cross 
ing  the  Arbuckle  Mountains  in  the  Indian  Terri 
tory,  he  got  tender-footed.  Another  yoke  was 
substituted,  and  in  a  few  days  Turk  was  on  his 
feet  again.  But  he  was  a  cunning  rascal  and 
had  learned  to  soldier,  and  while  his  feet  were  sore, 
I  favored  him  with  sandy  trails  and  gave  him  his 
own  time.  In  fact,  most  of  my  duties  were  driving 
that  one  ox,  while  the  other  boys  handled  the  herd. 
When  his  feet  got  well  —  I  had  toadied  and  babied 
him  so  —  he  was  plum  ruined.  I  begged  the  fore 
man  to  put  him  back  in  the  chuck  team,  but  the 
cook  kicked  on  account  of  his  well-known  laziness, 
so  Turk  and  I  continued  to  adorn  the  rear  of  the 
column.  I  reckon  the  foreman  thought  it  better 
to  have  Turk  and  me  late  than  no  dinner.  I  tried 
a  hundred  different  schemes  to  instill  ambition  and 
self-respect  into  that  ox,  but  he  was  an  old  dog  and 
contented  with  his  evil  ways. 


158  THE  OUTLET 

"  Several  weeks  passed,  and  Turk  and  I  became 
a  standing  joke  with  the  outfit.  One  morning  I 
made  the  discovery  that  he  was  afraid  of  a  slicker. 
For  just  about  a  full  half  day  I  had  the  best  of  him, 
and  several  times  he  was  out  of  sight  in  the  main 
body  of  the  herd.  But  he  always  dropped  to  the 
rear,  and  finally  the  slicker  lost  its  charm  to  move 
him.  In  fact  he  rather  enjoyed  having  me  fan  him 
with  it  —  it  seemed  to  cool  him.  It  was  the  middle 
of  the  afternoon,  and  Turk  had  dropped  about 
a  quarter-mile  to  the  rear,  while  I  was  riding  along 
beside  and  throwing  the  slicker  over  him  like  a 
blanket.  I  was  letting  him  carry  it,  and  he  seemed 
to  be  enjoying  himself,  switching  his  tail  in  appre 
ciation,  when  the  matted  brush  of  his  tail  noosed 
itself  over  one  of  the  riveted  buttons  on  the  slicker. 
The  next  switch  brought  the  yellow  '  fish  '  bumping 
on  his  heels,  and  emitting  a  blood-curdling  bellow, 
he  curved  his  tail  and  started  for  the  herd.  Just 
for  a  minute  it  tickled  me  to  see  old  Turk  get 
ting  such  a  wiggle  on  him,  but  the  next  moment 
my  mirth  turned  to  seriousness,  and  I  tried  to  cut 
him  off  from  the  other  cattle,  but  he  beat  me,  bel 
lowing  bloody  murder.  The  slicker  was  sailing  like 
a  kite,  and  the  rear  cattle  took  fright  and  began 
bawling  as  if  they  had  struck  a  fresh  scent  of 
blood.  The  scare  flashed  through  the  herd  from 

O 

rear  to  point,  and  hell  began  popping  right  then 
and  there.  The  air  filled  with  dust  and  the  earth 
trembled  with  the  running  cattle.  Not  knowing 


A   FAMILY  REUNION  159 

which  way  to  turn,  I  stayed  right  where  I  was  — 
in  the  rear.  As  the  dust  lifted,  I  followed  up,  and 
about  a  mile  ahead  picked  up  my  slicker,  and 
shortly  afterward  found  old  Turk,  grazing  con 
tentedly.  With  every  man  in  the  saddle,  that  herd 
ran  seven  miles  and  was  only  turned  by  the  Cimar- 
ron  Kiver.  It  was  nearly  dark  when  I  and  the  roan 
ox  overtook  the  cattle.  Fortunately  none  of  the 
swing-men  had  seen  the  cause  of  the  stampede,  and 
I  attributed  it  to  fresh  blood,  which  the  outfit 
believed.  My  verdant  innocence  saved  my  scalp 
that  time,  but  years  afterward  I  nearly  lost  it  when 
I  admitted  to  my  old  foreman  what  had  caused  the 
stampede  that  afternoon.  But  I  was  a  trail  boss 
then  and  had  learned  my  lesson." 

The  Rebel,  who  was  encamped  several  miles  up 
the  creek,  summoned  his  men,  and  we  all  arose 
and  scattered  after  our  horses.  There  was  quite 
a  cavalcade  going  our  way,  and  as  we  halted  within 
the  light  of  the  fires  for  the  different  outfits  to 
gather,  Flood  rode  up,  and  calling  Forrest,  said: 
"  In  the  absence  of  any  word  from  old  man  Don, 
we  might  as  well  all  pull  out  in  the  morning. 
More  than  likely  we  '11  hear  from  him  at  Grinnell, 
and  until  we  reach  the  railroad,  the  Buford  herds 
had  better  take  the  lead.  I  '11  drag  along  in  the 
rear,  and  if  there 's  another  move  made  from 
Dodge,  you  will  have  warning.  Now,  that 's  about 
all,  except  to  give  your  cattle  plenty  of  time  ;  'don't 
hurry.  S'long,  fellows." 


CHAPTER   XI 

ALL  IN  THE  DAY'S   WORK 

THE  next  morning  the  herds  moved  out  like  brigades 
of  an  army  on  dress-parade.  Our  front  covered 
some  six  or  seven  miles,  the  Buford  cattle  in  the 
lead,  while  those  intended  for  Indian  delivery 
naturally  fell  into  position  on  flank  and  rear.  My 
beeves  had  enjoyed  a  splendid  rest  during  the  past 
week,  and  now  easily  took  the  lead  in  a  steady  walk, 
every  herd  avoiding  the  trail  until  necessity  com 
pelled  us  to  reenter  it.  The  old  pathway  was  dusty 
and  merely  pointed  the  way,  and  until  rain  fell  to 
settle  it,  our  intention  was  to  give  it  a  wide  berth. 
As  the  morning  wore  on  and  the  herds  drew  farther 
and  farther  apart,  except  for  the  dim  dust-clouds 
of  ten  thousand  trampling  feet  on  a  raw  prairie, 
it  would  have  been  difficult  for  us  to  establish  each 
other's  location.  Several  times  during  the  forenoon, 
when  a  swell  of  the  plain  afforded  us  a  temporary 
westward  view,  we  caught  glimpses  of  Forrest's 
cattle  as  they  snailed  forward,  fully  five  miles 
distant  and  barely  noticeable  under  the  low  sky-line. 
The  Indian  herds  had  given  us  a  good  start  in  the 
morning,  and  towards  evening  as  the  mirages  lifted, 
not  a  dust-signal  was  in  sight,  save  one  far  in  our 
lead. 


ALL  IN   THE   DAY'S   WORK  161 

The  month  of  June,  so  far,  had  been  exceedingly 
droughty.  The  scarcity  of  water  on  the  plains 
between  Dodge  and  Ogalalla  was  the  dread  of  every 
trail  drover.  The  grass,  on  the  other  hand,  had 
matured  from  the  first  rank  growth  of  early  spring 
into  a  forage,  rich  in  sustenance,  from  which  our 
beeves  took  on  flesh  and  rounded  into  beauties. 
Lack  of  water  being  the  one  drawback,  long  drives, 
not  in  miles  but  hours,  became  the  order  of  the  day ; 
from  four  in  the  morning  to  eight  at  night,  even  at 
an  ox's  pace,  leaves  every  landmark  of  the  day  far 
in  the  rear  at  nightfall.  Thus  for  the  next  few 
days  we  moved  forward,  the  monotony  of  existence 
broken  only  by  the  great  variety  of  mirage,  the 
glare  of  heat-waves,  and  the  silent  signal  in  the  sky 
of  other  voyageurs  like  ourselves.  On  reaching  Big 
Boggy,  nothing  but  pools  greeted  us,  while  the  reg 
ular  crossing  was  dry  and  dusty  and  paved  with 
cattle  bones.  My  curiosity  was  strong  enough  to 
cause  me  to  revisit  the  old  bridge  which  I  had  helped 
to  build  two  seasons  before ;  though  unused,  it  was 
still  intact,  a  credit  to  the  crude  engineering  of  Pete 
Slaughter.  After  leaving  the  valley  of  the  Solomon, 
the  next  running  water  was  Pawnee  Fork,  where 
we  overtook  and  passed  six  thousand  yearling 
heifers  in  two  herds,  sold  the  winter  before  by  John 
Blocker  for  delivery  in  Montana.  The  Northwest 
had  not  yet  learned  that  Texas  was  the  natural 
breeding-ground  for  cattle,  yet  under  favorable  con 
ditions  in  both  sections,  the  ranchman  of  the  South 


162  THE   OUTLET 

could  raise  one  third  more  calves  from  an  equal 
number  of  cows. 

The  weather  continued  hot  and  sultry.  Several 
times  storms  hung  on  our  left  for  hours  which  we 
hoped  would  reach  us,  and  at  night  the  lightning 
flickered  in  sheets,  yet  with  the  exception  of  cooling 
the  air,  availed  us  nothing.  But  as  we  encamped 
one  night  on  the  divide  before  reaching  the  Smoky 
River,  a  storm  struck  us  that  sent  terror  to  our 
hearts.  There  were  men  in  my  outfit,  and  others  in 
Lo veil's  employ,  who  were  from  ten  to  twenty  years 
my  senior,  having  spent  almost  their  lifetime  in  the 
open,  who  had  never  before  witnessed  such  a  night. 
The  atmosphere  seemed  to  be  overcharged  with 
electricity,  which  played  its  pranks  among  us, 
neither  man  nor  beast  being  exempt.  The  storm 
struck  the  divide  about  two  hours  after  the  cattle 
had  been  bedded,  and  from  then  until  dawn  every 
man  was  in  the  saddle,  the  herd  drifting  fully  three 
miles  during  the  night.  Such  keen  flashes  of  light 
ning  accompanied  by  instant  thunder  I  had  never 
before  witnessed,  though  the  rainfall,  after  the  first 
dash,  was  light  in  quantity.  Several  times  the  rain 
ceased  entirely,  when  the  phosphorus,  like  a  prairie 
fire,  appeared  on  every  hand.  Great  sheets  of  it 
flickered  about,  the  cattle  and  saddle  stock  were 
soon  covered,  while  every  bit  of  metal  on  our  ac 
coutrements  was  coated  and  twinkling  with  phos 
phorescent  light.  My  gauntlets  were  covered,  and 
wherever  I  touched  myself,  it  seemed  to  smear  and 


ALL   IN   THE  DAY'S   WORK  163 

spread  and  refuse  to  wipe  out.  Several  times  we 
were  able  to  hold  up  and  quiet  the  cattle,  but  along 
their  backs  flickered  the  ghostly  light,  while  across 
the  herd,  which  occupied  acres,  it  reminded  one  of 
the  burning  lake  in  the  regions  infernal.  As  the 
night  wore  on,  several  showers  fell,  accompanied  'by 
almost  incessant  bolts  of  lightning,  but  the  rainfall 
only  added  moisture  to  the  ground  and  this  acted 
like  fuel  in  reviving  the  phosphor.  Several  hours  be 
fore  dawn,  great  sheets  of  the  fiery  elements  chased 
each  other  across  the  northern  sky,  lighting  up  our 
surroundings  until  one  could  have  read  ordinary 
print.  The  cattle  stood  humped  or  took  an  occa 
sional  step  forward,  the  men  sat  their  horses,  sullen 
and  morose,  forming  new  resolutions  for  the  future, 
in  which  trail  work  was  not  included.  But  morning 
came  at  last,  cool  and  cloudy,  a  slight  recompense 
for  the  heat  which  we  had  endured  since  leaving 
Dodge. 

With  the  breaking  of  day,  the  herd  was  turned 
back  on  its  course.  For  an  hour  or  more  the  cattle 
grazed  freely,  and  as  the  sun  broke  through  the 
clouds,  they  dropped  down  like  tired  infantry  on 
a  march,  and  we  allowed  them  an  hour's  rest.  We 
were  still  some  three  or  four  miles  eastward  of  the 
trail,  and  after  breakfasting  and  changing  mounts 
we  roused  the  cattle  and  started  on  an  angle  for  the 
trail,  expecting  to  intercept  it  before  noon.  There 
was  some  settlement  in  the  Smoky  River  Valley 
which  must  be  avoided,  as  in  years  past  serious 


164  THE   OUTLET 

enmity  had  been  engendered  between  settlers  and 
drovers  in  consequence  of  the  ravages  of  Texas 
fever  among  native  cattle.  I  was  riding  on  the  left 
point,  and  when  within  a  short  distance  of  the  trail, 
one  of  the  boys  called  my  attention  to  a  loose  herd 
of i  cattle,  drifting  south  and  fully  two  miles  to  the 
west  of  us.  It  was  certainly  something  unusual,  and 
as  every  man  of  us  scanned  them,  a  lone  horseman 
was  seen  to  ride  across  their  front,  and,  turning 
them,  continue  on  for  our  herd.  The  situation  was 
bewildering,  as  the  natural  course  of  every  herd  was 
northward,  but  here  was  one  apparently  abandoned 
like  a  water-logged  ship  at  sea. 

The  messenger  was  a  picture  of  despair.  He 
proved  to  be  the  owner  of  the  abandoned  cattle,  and 
had  come  to  us  with  an  appeal  for  help.  According 
to  his  story,  he  was  a  Northern  cowman  and  had 
purchased  the  cattle  a  few  days  before  in  Dodge. 
He  had  bought  the  outfit  complete,  with  the  under 
standing  that  the  through  help  would  continue  in 
his  service  until  his  range  in  Wyoming  was  reached. 
But  it  was  a  Mexican  outfit,  foreman  and  all,  and 
during  the  storm  of  the  night  before,  one  of  the  men 
had  been  killed  by  lightning.  The  accident  must 
have  occurred  near  dawn,  as  the  man  was  not  missed 
until  daybreak,  and  like  ours,  his  cattle  had  drifted 
with  the  storm.  Some  time  was  lost  in  finding  the 
body,  and  to  add  to  the  panic  that  had  already 
stricken  the  outfit,  the  shirt  of  the  unfortunate 
vaquero  was  burnt  from  the  corpse.  The  horse  had 


ALL   IN   THE    DAY'S   WORK  165 

escaped  scathless,  though  his  rider  met  death,  while 
the  housings  were  stripped  from  the  saddle  so  that 
it  fell  from  the  animal.  The  Mexican  foreman  and 
vaqueros  had  thrown  their  hands  in  the  air  ;  steeped 
in  superstition,  they  considered  the  loss  of  their 
comrade  a  bad  omen,  and  refused  to  go  farther. 
The  herd  was  as  good  as  abandoned  unless  we  could 
lend  a  hand. 

The  appeal  was  not  in  vain.  Detailing  four  of 
my  men,  and  leaving  Jack  Splann  as  segundo  in 
charge  of  our  cattle,  I  galloped  away  with  the 
stranger.  As  we  rode  the  short  distance  between 
the  two  herds  and  I  mentally  reviewed  the  situation, 
I  could  not  help  but  think  it  was  fortunate  for  the 
alien  outfit  that  their  employer  was  a  Northern  cow 
man  instead  of  a  Texan.  Had  the  present  owner 
been  of  the  latter  school,  there  would  have  been 
more  than  one  dead  Mexican  before  a  valuable  herd 
would  have  been  abandoned  over  an  unavoidable 
accident.  I  kept  my  thoughts  to  myself,  however, 
for  the  man  had  troubles  enough,  and  on  reaching 
his  drifting  herd,  we  turned  them  back  on  their 
course.  It  was  high  noon  when  we  reached  his 
wagon  and  found  the  Mexican  outfit  still  keening 
over  their  dead  comrade.  We  pushed  the  cattle, 
a  mixed  herd  of  about  twenty-five  hundred,  well  past 
the  camp,  and  riding  back,  dismounted  among  the 
howling  vaqueros.  There  was  not  the  semblance,  of 
sanity  among  them.  The  foreman,  who  could  speak 
some  little  English,  at  least  his  employer  declared 


166  THE   OUTLET 

lie  could,  was  carrying  on  like  a  madman,  while  a 
majority  of  the  vaqueros  were  playing  a  close  second. 
The  dead  man  had  been  carried  in  and  was  lying 
under  a  tarpaulin  in  the  shade  of  the  wagon.  Feel 
ing  that  my  boys  would  stand  behind  me,  and  never 
offering  to  look  at  the  corpse,  I  inquired  in  Spanish 
of  the  vaqueros  which  one  of  the  men  was  their 
corporal.  A  heavy-set,  bearded  man  was  pointed 
out,  and  walking  up  to  him,  with  one  hand  I 
slapped  him  in  the  face  and  with  the  other  relieved 
him  of  a  six-shooter.  He  staggered  back,  turned 
ashen  pale,  and  before  he  could  recover  from  the 
surprise,  in  his  own  tongue  I  berated  him  as  a  worth 
less  cur  for  deserting  his  employer  over  an  accident. 
Following  up  the  temporary  advantage,  I  inquired 
for  the  cook  and  horse-wrangler,  and  intimated 
clearly  that  there  would  be  other  dead  Mexicans  if 
the  men  were  not  fed  and  the  herd  and  saddle  stock 
looked  after ;  that  they  were  not  worthy  of  the 
name  of  vaqueros  if  they  were  lax  in  a  duty  with 
which  they  had  been  intrusted. 

"  But  Pablo  is  dead,"  piped  one  of  the  vaqueros 
in  defense. 

"  Yes,  he  is,"  said  G — G  Cederdall  in  Spanish, 
bristling  up  to  the  vaquero  who  had  volunteered 
the  reply ;  "  and  we  '11  bury  him  and  a  half-dozen 
more  of  you  if  necessary,  but  the  cattle  will  not  be 
abandoned  —  not  for  a  single  hour.  Pablo  is  dead, 
but  he  was  no  better  than  a  hundred  other  men 
who  have  lost  their  lives  on  this  trail.  If  you  are  a 


ALL   IN   THE   DAY'S   WORK  167 

lot  of  locoed  sheep-herders  instead  of  vaqueros,  why 
did  n't  you  stay  at  home  with  the  children  instead 
of  starting  out  to  do  a  man's  work.  Desert  your 
employer,  will  you  ?  Not  in  a  country  where  there 
is  no  chance  to  pick  up  other  men.  Yes,  Pablo  is 
dead,  and  we  '11  bury  him." 

The  aliens  were  disconcerted,  and  wilted.  The 
owner  picked  up  courage  and  ordered  the  cook  to 
prepare  dinner.  We  loaned  our  horses  to  the  wrang 
ler  and  another  man,  the  remuda  was  brought  in, 
and  before  we  sat  down  to  the  midday  meal,  every 
vaquero  had  a  horse  under  saddle,  while  two  of 
them  had  ridden  away  to  look  after  the  grazing 
cattle.  With  order  restored,  we  set  about  systemat 
ically  to  lay  away  the  unfortunate  man.  A  detail  of 
vaqueros  under  Cederdall  prepared  a  grave  on  the 
nearest  knoll,  and  wrapping  the  corpse  in  a  tarpau 
lin,  we  buried  him  like  a  sailor  at  sea.  Several 
vaqueros  were  visibly  affected  at  the  graveside,  and 
in  order  to  pacify  them,  I  suggested  that  we  unload 
the  wagon  of  supplies  and  haul  up  a  load  of  rock 
from  a  near-by  outcropping  ledge.  Pablo  had  fallen 
like  a  good  soldier  at  his  post,  I  urged,  and  it  was 
befitting  that  his  comrades  should  mark  his  last 
resting-place.  To  our  agreeable  surprise  the  cor 
poral  hurrahed  his  men  and  the  wagon  was  un 
loaded  in  a  jiffy  and  dispatched  after  a  load  of 
rock.  On  its  return,  we  spent  an  hour  in  decorating 
the  mound,  during  which  time  lament  was  expressed 
for  the  future  of  Pablo's  soul.  Knowing  the  almost 


168  THE   OUTLET 

universal  faith  of  this  alien  race,  as  we  stood  around 
the  finished  mound,  Cederdall,  who  was  Catholic 
born,  called  for  contributions  to  procure  the  abso 
lution  of  the  Church.  The  owner  of  the  cattle  was 
the  first  to  respond,  and  with  the  aid  of  my  boys 
and  myself,  augmented  later  by  the  vaqueros,  a 
purse  of  over  fifty  dollars  was  raised  and  placed  in 
charge  of  the  corporal,  to  be  expended  in  a  private 
mass  on  their  return  to  San  Antonio.  Meanwhile 
the  herd  and  saddle  stock  had  started,  and  reload 
ing  the  wagon,  we  cast  a  last  glance  at  the  little 
mound  which  made  a  new  landmark  on  the  old 
trail. 

The  owner  of  the  cattle  was  elated  over  the  re 
storation  of  order.  My  contempt  for  him,  however, 
had  not  decreased ;  the  old  maxim  of  fools  rushing 
in  where  angels  feared  to  tread  had  only  been  again 
exemplified.  The  inferior  races  may  lack  in  courage 
and  leadership,  but  never  in  cunning  and  craftiness. 
This  alien  outfit  had  detected  some  weakness  in  the 
armor  of  their  new  employer,  and  when  the  emer 
gency  arose,  were  ready  to  take  advantage  of  the 
situation.  Yet  under  an  old  patron,  these  same  men 
would  never  dare  to  mutiny  or  assert  themselves. 
That  there  were  possible  breakers  ahead  for  this 
cowman  there  was  no  doubt ;  for  every  day  that 
those  Mexicans  traveled  into  a  strange  country, 
their  Aztec  blood  would  yearn  for  their  Southern 
home.  And  since  the  unforeseen  could  not  be 
guarded  against,  at  the  first  opportunity  I  warned 


ALL   IN   THE   DAY'S   WORK  169 

the  stranger  that  it  was  altogether  too  soon  to  shout. 
To  his  anxious  inquiries  I  replied  that  his  very 
presence  with  the  herd  was  a  menace  to  its  suc 
cessful  handling  by  the  Mexican  outfit.  He  should 
throw  all  responsibility  on  the  foreman,  or  take 
charge  himself,  which  was  impossible  now ;  for 
an  outfit  which  will  sulk  and  mutiny  once  will  do 
so  again  under  less  provocation.  When  my  curtain 
lecture  was  ended,  the  owner  authorized  me  to  call 
his  outfit  together  and  give  them  such  instructions 
as  I  saw  fit. 

We  sighted  our  cattle  but  once  during  the  after 
noon.  On  locating  the  herd,  two  of  my  boys  left  us 
to  return,  bearing  the  message  that  the  rest  of  us 
might  not  put  in  an  appearance  before  morning. 
All  during  the  evening,  I  made  it  a  point  to  cul 
tivate  the  acquaintance  of  several  vaqueros,  and 
learned  the  names  of  their  master  and  rancho.  Tak 
ing  my  cue  from  the  general  information  gathered, 
when  we  encamped  for  the  night  and  all  hands, 
with  the  exception  of  those  on  herd,  had  finished 
catching  horses,  I  attracted  their  attention  by  re 
turning  the  six-shooter  taken  from  their  corporal  at 
noontime.  Commanding  attention,  in  their  mother 
tongue  I  addressed  myself  to  the  Mexican  fore 
man. 

"  Felipe  Esquibil,"  said  I,  looking  him  boldly  in 
the  face,  "you  were  foreman  of  this  herd  from 
Z  a  valla  County,  Texas,  to  the  Arkansaw  River,  and 
brought  your  cattle  through  without  loss  or  accident. 


170  THE   OUTLET 

The  herd  changed  owners  at  Dodge,  but  with  the 
understanding  that  you  and  your  vaqueros  were  to 
accompany  the  cattle  to  this  gentleman's  ranch  in 
the  upper  country.  An  accident  happens,  and  be 
cause  you  are  not  in  full  control,  you  shift  the  re 
sponsibility  and  plajr  the  baby  act  by  wanting  to  go 
home.  Had  the  death  of  one  of  your  men  occurred 
below  the  river,  and  while  the  herd  was  still  the 
property  of  Don  Dionisio  of  Rancho  Los  Olmus, 
you  would  have  lost  your  own  life  before  abandoning 
your  cattle.  Now,  with  the  consent  and  approval 
of  the  new  owner,  you  are  again  invested  with  full 
charge  of  this  herd  until  you  arrive  at  the  Platte 
River.  A  new  outfit  will  relieve  you  on  reaching 
Ogalalla,  and  then  you  will  be  paid  your  reckon 
ing  and  all  go  home.  In  your  immediate  rear  are 
five  herds  belonging  to  my  employer,  and  I  have 
already  sent  warning  to  them  of  your  attempted  de 
sertion.  A  fortnight  or  less  will  find  you  relieved, 
and  the  only  safety  in  store  for  you  is  to  go  for 
ward.  Now  your  employer  is  going  to  my  camp  for 
the  night,  and  may  not  see  you  again  before  this 
herd  reaches  the  Platte.  Remember,  Don  Felipe, 
that  the  opportunity  is  yours  to  regain  your  pres 
tige  as  a  corporal  —  and  you  need  it  after  to-day's 
actions.  What  would  Don  Dionisio  say  if  he  knew 
the  truth  ?  And  do  you  ever  expect  to  face  your 
friends  again  at  Los  Olmus  ?  From  a  trusted  corpo 
ral  back  to  a  sheep-shearer  would  be  your  reward 
—  and  justly." 


ALL   IN  THE    DAY'S   WORK  171 

Cederdall,  Wolf,  and  myself  shook  hands  with 
several  vaqueros,  and  mounting  our  horses  we 
started  for  my  camp,  taking  the  stranger  with  us. 
Only  once  did  he  offer  any  protest  to  going.  "  Very 
well,  then,"  replied  G — G,  unable  to  suppress  his 
contempt,  "  go  right  back.  I  '11  gamble  that  you 
sheathe  a  knife  before  morning  if  you  do.  It  strikes 
me  you  don't  sabe  Mexicans  very  much." 

Around  the  camp-fire  that  night,  the  day's  work 
was  reviewed.  My  rather  drastic  treatment  of  the 
corporal  was  fully  commented  upon  and  approved 
by  the  outfit,  yet  provoked  an  inquiry  from  the  ir 
repressible  Parent.  Turning  to  the  questioner,  Burl 
Van  Vedder  said  in  dove-like  tones  :  "  Yes,  dear, 
slapped  him  just  to  remind  the  varmint  that  his 
feet  were  on  the  earth,  and  that  pawing  the  air  and 
keening  did  n't  do  any  good.  Remember,  love,  there 
was  the  living  to  be  fed,  the  dead  to  bury,  and  the 
work  in  hand  required  every  man  to  do  his  duty. 
Now  was  there  anything  else  you  'd  like  to  know?  " 


CHAPTER  XII 
MARSHALING  THE  FORCES 

BOTH  herds  had  watered  in  the  Smoky  during  the 
afternoon.  The  stranger's  cattle  were  not  compelled 
to  go  down  to  the  crossing,  but  found  an  easy  pass 
age  several  miles  above  the  regular  ford.  After 
leaving  the  river,  both  herds  were  grazed  out  during 
the  evening,  and  when  darkness  fell  we  were  not 
over  three  miles  apart,  one  on  either  side  of  the 
trail.  The  Wyoming  cowman  spent  a  restless  night, 
and  early  the  next  morning  rode  to  the  nearest 
elevation  which  would  give  him  a  view  of  his  cattle. 
Within  an  hour  after  sun-up  he  returned,  elated 
over  the  fact  that  his  herd  was  far  in  the  lead  of 
ours,  camp  being  already  broken,  while  we  were 
only  breakfasting.  Matters  were  working  out  just 
as  I  expected.  The  mixed  herd  under  the  Mexican 
corporal,  by  moving  early  and  late,  could  keep  the 
lead  of  our  beeves,  and  with  the  abundance  of  time 
at  my  disposal  we  were  in  no  hurry.  The  Kansas 
Pacific  Railroad  was  but  a  few  days'  drive  ahead, 
and  I  advised  our  guest  to  take  the  train  around 
to  Ogalalla  and  have  a  new  outfit  all  ready  to  re 
lieve  the  aliens  immediately  on  their  arrival.  Promis 
ing  to  take  the  matter  under  consideration,  he  said 


MARSHALING  THE  FORCES  173 

nothing  further  for  several  days,  his  cattle  in  the 
mean  time  keeping  a  lead  of  from  five  to  ten  miles. 
The  trail  crossed  the  railroad  at  a  switch  east  of 
Grinnell.  I  was  naturally  expecting  some  word  from 
Don  Lovell,  and  it  was  my  intention  to  send  one  of 
the  boys  into  that  station  to  inquire  for  mail.  There 
was  a  hostelry  at  Grinnell,  several  stores  and  a 
livery  stable,  all  dying  an  easy  death  from  the 
blight  of  the  arid  plain,  the  town  profiting  little  or 
nothing  from  the  cattle  trade.  But  when  within 
a  half-day's  drive  of  the  railway,  on  overtaking  the 
herd  after  dinner,  there  was  old  man  Don  talking 
to  the  boys  on  herd.  The  cattle  were  lying  down, 
and  rather  than  disturb  them,  he  patiently  bided 
his  time  until  they  had  rested  and  arose  to  resume 
their  journey.  The  old  man  was  feeling  in  fine 
spirits,  something  unusual,  and  declined  my  urgent 
invitation  to  go  back  to  the  wagon  and  have  dinner. 
I  noticed  that  he  was  using  his  own  saddle,  though 
riding  a  livery  horse,  and  in  the  mutual  inquiries 
which  were  exchanged,  learned  that  he  had  arrived 
at  Grinnell  but  a  few  days  before.  He  had  left 
Camp  Supply  immediately  after  Forrest  and  Spon- 
silier  passed  that  point,  and  until  Siringo  came  in 
with  his  report,  he  had  spent  the  time  about  detect 
ive  headquarters  in  Kansas  City.  From  intimate 
friends  in  Dodge,  he  had  obtained  the  full  particu 
lars  of  the  attempted  but  unsuccessful  move  of  The 
Western  Supply  Company  to  take  posession  of  his 
two  herds.  In  fact  there  was  very  little  that  I  could 


174  THE   OUTLET 

enlighten  him  on,  except  the  condition  of  the  cattle, 
and  they  spoke  for  themselves,  their  glossy  coats 
shining  with  the  richness  of  silk.  On  the  other  hand, 
my  employer  opened  like  a  book. 

"  Tom,  I  think  we  're  past  the  worst  of  it,"  said 
he.  "  Those  Dodge  people  are  just  a  trifle  too  offi 
cious  to  suit  me,  but  Ogalalla  is  a  cow-town  after 
my  own  heart.  They  're  a  law  unto  themselves  up 
there,  and  a  cowman  stands  some  show  —  a  good 
one  against  thieves.  Ogalalla  is  the  seat  of  an 
organized  county,  and  the  town  has  officers,  it 's  true, 
but  they  've  got  sense  enough  to  know  which  side 
their  bread 's  buttered  on ;  and  a  cowman  who 's  on 
the  square  has  nothing  to  fear  in  that  town.  Yes, 
the  whole  gang,  Tolleston  and  all,  are  right  up  here 
at  Ogalalla  now ;  bought  a  herd  this  week,  so  I 
hear,  and  expect  to  take  two  of  these  away  from  us 
the  moment  we  enter  Keith  County.  Well,  they 
may ;  I  've  seen  bad  men  before  take  a  town,  but  it 
was  only  a  question  of  time  until  the  plain  citizens 
retook  it.  They  may  try  to  bluff  us,  but  if  they  do, 
we  '11  meet  them  a  little  over  halfway.  Which  one 
of  your  boys  was  it  that  licked  Archie  ?  I  want  to 
thank  him  until  such  a  time  as  I  can  reward  him 
better." 

The  herd  was  moving  out,  and  as  Seay  was  work 
ing  in  the  swing  on  the  opposite  side,  we  allowed 
the  cattle  to  trail  past,  and  then  rode  round  and 
overtook  him.  The  two  had  never  met  before,  but 
old  man  Don  warmed  towards  Dorg,  who  recited 


MARSHALING   THE   FORCES  175 

his  experience  in  such  an  inimitable  manner  that 
our  employer  rocked  in  his  saddle  in  spasms  of 
laughter.  Leaving  the  two  together,  I  rode  on 
ahead  to  look  out  the  water,  and  when  the  herd 
came  up  near  the  middle  of  the  aftei^ioon,  they 
were  still  inseparable.  The  watering  over,  we 
camped  for  the  night  several  miles  south  of  the  rail 
road,  the  mixed  herd  having  crossed  it  about  noon. 
My  guest  of  the  past  few  days  had  come  to  a  point 
requiring  a  decision  and  was  in  a  quandary  to  know 
what  to  do.  But  when  the  situation  had  been 
thoroughly  reviewed  between  Mr.  Lovell  and  the 
Wyoming  man,  my  advice  was  indorsed,  —  to  trust 
implicitly  to  his  corporal,  and  be  ready  to  relieve 
the  outfit  at  the  Platte.  Saddles  were  accordingly 
shifted,  and  the  stranger,  after  professing  a  profu 
sion  of  thanks,  rode  away  on  the  livery  horse  by 
which  my  employer  had  arrived.  Once  the  man  was 
well  out  of  hearing,  the  old  trail  drover  turned  to 
my  outfit  and  said  : 

"  Boys,  there  goes  a  warning  that  the  days  of  the 
trail  are  numbered.  To  make  a  success  of  any  busi 
ness,  a  little  common  sense  is  necessary.  Nine 
tenths  of  the  investing  in  cattle  to-day  in  the  North 
west  is  being  done  by  inexperienced  men.  No  other 
line  of  business  could  prosper  in  such  incompetent 
hands,  and  it 's  foolish  to  think  that  cattle  companies 
and  individuals,  nearly  all  tenderfeet  at  the  busi 
ness,  can  succeed.  They  may  for  a  time,  —  there 
are  accidents  in  every  calling,  —  but  when  the  tide 


176  THE   OUTLET 

turns,  there  won't  be  one  man  or  company  in  ten 
survive.  I  only  wish  they  would,  as  it  means  life 
and  expansion  for  the  cattle  interests  in  Texas.  As 
long  as  the  boom  continues,  and  foreigners  and 
tenderfeet  pour  their  money  in,  the  business  will 
look  prosperous.  Why,  even  the  business  men  are 
selling  out  their  stores  and  going  into  cattle.  But 
there  's  a  day  of  reckoning  ahead,  and  there  's  many 
a  cowman  in  this  Northwest  country  who  will  never 
see  his  money  again.  Now  the  government  demand 
is  a  healthy  one :  it  needs  the  cattle  for  Indian 
and  military  purposes ;  but  this  crazy  investment, 
especially  in  she  stuff,  I  wouldn't  risk  a  dollar 
in  it." 

During  the  conversation  that  evening,  I  was 
delighted  to  learn  that  my  employer  expected  to 
accompany  the  herds  overland  to  Ogalalla.  There 
was  nothing  pressing  elsewhere,  and  as  all  the  other 
outfits  were  within  a  short  day's  ride  in  the  rear,  he 
could  choose  his  abode.  He  was  too  good  a  cowman 
to  interfere  with  the  management  of  cattle,  and  the 
pleasure  of  his  company,  when  in  good  humor,  was 
to  be  desired.  The  next  morning  a  horse  was  fur 
nished  him  from  our  extras,  and  after  seeing  us 
safely  across  the  railroad  track,  he  turned  back  to 
meet  Forrest  or  Sponsilier.  This  was  the  last  we 
saw  of  him  until  after  crossing  into  Nebraska.  In 
the  mean  time  my  boys  kept  an  eye  on  the  Mexican 
outfit  in  our  front,  scarcely  a  day  passing  but  what 
we  sighted  them  either  in  person  or  by  signal.  Once 


MARSHALING  THE   FORCES  177 

they  dropped  back  opposite  us  on  the  western  side 
of  the  trail,  when  Cedardall,  under  the  pretense  of 
hunting  lost  horses,  visited  their  camp,  finding  them 
contented  and  enjoying  a  lay-over.  They  were  im 
patient  to  know  the  distance  to  the  Rio  Platte, 
and  G — G  assured  them  that  within  a  week  they 
would  see  its  muddy  waters  and  be  relieved.  Thus 
encouraged  they  held  the  lerad,  but  several  times 
vaqueros  dropped  back  to  make  inquiries  of  drives 
and  the  water.  The  route  was  passable,  with  a 
short  dry  drive  from  the  head  of  Stinking  Water 
across  to  the  Platte  River,  of  which  they  were 
fully  advised.  Keeping  them  in  sight,  we  trailed 
along  leisurely,  and  as  we  went  down  the  northern 
slope  of  the  divide  approaching  the  Republican 
River,  we  were  overtaken  at  noon  by  Don  Lovell 
and  Dave  Sponsilier. 

"  Quirk,"  said  the  old  man,  as  the  two  dis 
mounted,  "  I  was  just  telling  Dave  that  twenty 
years  ago  this  summer  I  carried  a  musket  with 
Sherman  in  his  march  to  the  sea.  And  here  we  are 
to-day,  driving  beef  to  feed  the  army  in  the  West. 
But  that 's  neither  here  nor  there  under  the  present 
programme.  Jim  Flood  and  I  have  talked  matters 
over  pretty  thoroughly,  and  have  decided  to  switch 
the  foremen  on  the  '  Open  A  '  and  '  Drooping  T  ' 
cattle  until  after  Ogalalla  is  passed.  From  their 
actions  at  Dodge,  it  is  probable  that  they  will  try 
and  arrest  the  foreman  of  those  two  herds  as  acces 
sory  under  some  charge  or  other.  By  shifting  the 


178  THE   OUTLET 

foremen,  even  if  the  ones  in  charge  are  detained,  we 
will  gain  time  and  be  able  to  push  the  Buford  cattle 
across  the  North  Platte.  The  chances  are  that  they 
will  prefer  some  charges  against  me,  and  if  they  do, 
if  necessary,  we  will  all  go  to  the  lock-up  together. 
They  may  have  spotters  ahead  here  on  the  Repub 
lican  ;  Dave  will  take  charge  of  your  4  Open  A's '  at 
once,  and  you  will  drop  back  and  follow  up  with  his 
cattle.  For  the  time  being  and  to  every  stranger,  you 
two  will  exchange  names.  The  Rebel  is  in  charge 
of  Forrest's  cattle  now,  and  Quince  will  drop  back 
with  Paul's  herd.  Dave,  here,  gave  me  the  slip  on 
crossing  the  Texas  Pacific  in  the  lower  country, 
but  when  we  reach  the  Union  Pacific,  I  want  to 
know  where  he  is,  even  if  in  jail.  And  I  may  be 
right  there  with  him,  but  we  '11  live  high,  for  I  've 
got  a  lot  of  their  money." 

Sponsilier  reported  his  herd  on  the  same  side  of 
the  trail  and  about  ten  miles  to  our  rear.  I  had  no 
objection  to  the  change,  for  those  arid  plains  were 
still  to  be  preferred  to  the  lock-up  in  Ogalalla.  My 
only  regret  was  in  temporarily  losing  my  mount ; 
but  as  Dave's  horses  were  nearly  as  good,  no  objec 
tion  was  urged,  and  promising,  in  case  either  landed 
in  jail,  to  send  flowers,  I  turned  back,  leaving 
my  employer  with  the  lead  herd.  Before  starting, 
I  learned  that  the  "  Drooping  T  "  cattle  were  in 
advance  of  Sponsilier's,  and  as  I  soldiered  along  on 
my  way  back,  rode  several  miles  out  of  my  way  to 
console  my  old  bunkie,  The  Rebel.  He  took  my 


MARSHALING  THE   FORCES  179 

chaffing  good-naturedly  and  assured  me  that  his 
gray  hairs  were  a  badge  of  innocence  which  would 
excuse  him  on  any  charge.  Turning,  I  rode  back 
with  him  over  a  mile,  this  being  my  first  opportunity 
of  seeing  Forrest's  beeves.  The  steers  were  large 
and  rangy,  extremely  uniform  in  ages  and  weight, 
and  in  general  relieved  me  of  considerable  conceit 
that  I  had  the  best  herd  among  the  Buford  cattle. 
With  my  vanity  eased,  I  continued  my  journey  and 
reached  Sponsilier's  beeves  while  they  were  water 
ing.  Again  a  surprise  was  in  store  for  me,  as  the 
latter  herd  had,  if  any,  the  edge  over  the  other  two, 
while  "  The  Apple  "  was  by  all  odds  the  prettiest 
road  brand  I  had  ever  seen.  I  asked  the  acting 
segundo,  a  lad  named  Tupps,  who  cut  the  cattle 
when  receiving ;  light  was  thrown  on  the  situation 
by  his  reply. 

"  Old  man  Don  joined  the  outfit  the  day  we 
reached  Uvalde,"  said  he,  "  and  until  we  began 
receiving,  he  poured  it  into  our  foreman  that  this 
year  the  cattle  had  to  be  something  extra  —  muy 
escogido,  as  the  Mexicans  say.  Well,  the  result  was 
that  Sponsilier  went  to  work  with  ideas  pitched 
rather  high.  But  in  the  first  bunch  received,  the 
old  man  cut  a  pretty  little  four-year-old,  fully 
a  hundred  pounds  too  light.  Dave  and  Mr.  Lovell 
had  a  set-to  over  the  beef,  the  old  man  refusing 
to  cut  him  back,  but  he  rode  out  of  the  herd  and 
never  again  offered  to  interfere.  Forrest  was  pre 
sent,  and  at  dinner  that  day  old  man  Don  admitted 


180  THE   OUTLET 

that  he  was  too  easy  when  receiving.  Sponsilier  and 
Forrest  did  the  trimming  afterward,  and  that  is 
the  secret  of  these  two  herds  being  so  uniform." 

A  general  halt  was  called  at  the  head  of  Stink 
ing  Water.  We  were  then  within  forty  miles  of 
Ogalalla,  and  a  day's  drive  would  put  us  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  Keith  County.  Some  time  was  lost 
at  this  last  water,  waiting  for  the  rear  herds  to  ar 
rive,  as  it  was  the  intention  to  place  the  "  Open  A  " 
and  "  Drooping  T  "  cattle  at  the  rear  in  crossing 
this  dry  belt.  At  the  ford  on  the  Republican,  a 
number  of  strangers  were  noticed,  two  of  whom  rode 
a  mile  or  more  with  me,  and  innocently  asked 
numerous  but  leading  questions.  I  frankly  answered 
every  inquiry,  and  truthfully,  with  the  exception 
of  the  names  of  the  lead  foreman  and  my  own. 
Direct,  it  was  only  sixty  miles  from  the  crossing 
on  the  Republican  to  Ogalalla,  an  easy  night's  ride, 
and  I  was  conscious  that  our  whereabouts  would 
be  known  at  the  latter  place  the  next  morning. 
For  several  days  before  starting  across  this  arid 
stretch,  we  had  watered  at  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  so  when  Flood  and  Forrest  came  up, 
mine  being  the  third  herd  to  reach  the  last  water, 
I  was  all  ready  to  pull  out.  But  old  man  Don 
counseled  another  day's  lie-over,  as  it  would  be  a 
sore  trial  for  the  herds  under  a  July  sun,  and  for 
a  full  day  twenty  thousand  beeves  grazed  in  sight 
of  each  other  on  the  mesas  surrounding  the  head  of 
Stinking  Water.  All  the  herds  were  aroused  with 


MARSHALING   THE   FORCES  181 

the  dawn,  and  after  a  few  hours'  sun  on  the  cattle, 
the  Indian  beeves  were  turned  onto  the  water  and 
held  until  the  middle  of  the  forenoon,  when  the 
start  was  made  for  the  Platte  and  Ogalalla. 

I  led  out  with  "  The  Apple  "  cattle,  throwing  onto 
the  trail  for  the  first  ten  miles,  which  put  me  well 
in  advance  of  Bob  Quirk  and  Forrest,  who  were  in 
my  immediate  rear.  A  well-known  divide  marked 
the  halfway  between  the  two  waters,  and  I  was 
determined  to  camp  on  it  that  night.  It  was  fully 
nine  o'clock  when  we  reached  it,  Don  Lovell  in  the 
mean  time  having  overtaken  us.  This  watershed 
was  also  recognized  as  the  line  of  Keith  County, 
an  organized  community,  and  the  next  morning 
expectation  ran  high  as  to  what  the  day  would 
bring  forth.  Lovell  insisted  on  staying  with  the 
lead  herd,  and  pressing  him  in  as  horse-wrangler, 
I  sent  him  in  the  lead  with  the  remuda  and  wagon, 
while  Levering  fell  into  the  swing  with  the  trailing 
cattle.  A  breakfast  halt  was  made  fully  seven 
miles  from  the  bed-ground,  a  change  of  mounts, 
and  then  up  divide,  across  mesa,  and  down  slope  at 
the  foot  of  which  ran  the  Platte.  Meanwhile  sev 
eral  wayfaring  men  were  met,  but  in  order  to  avoid 
our  dust,  they  took  the  right  or  unbranded  side  of 
our  herd  on  meeting,  and  passed  on  their  way  with 
out  inquiry.  Near  noon  a  party  of  six  men,  driving 
a  number  of  loose  mounts  and  a  pack-horse,  were 
met,  who  also  took  the  windward  side.  Our  drag- 
men  learned  that  they  were  on  their  way  to  Dodge 


182  THE   OUTLET 

to  receive  a  herd  of  range  horses.  But  when  about 
halfway  down  the  slope  towards  the  river,  two 
mounted  men  were  seen  to  halt  the  remuda  and 
wagon  for  a  minute,  and  then  continue  on  south 
ward.  Billy  Tupps  was  on  the  left  point,  myself 
next  in  the  swing  ;  and  as  the  two  horsemen  turned 
out  on  the  branded  side,  their  identity  was  sus 
pected.  In  reply  to  some  inquiry,  Tupps  jerked 
his  thumb  over  his  shoulder  as  much  as  to  say, 
"  Next  man."  I  turned  out  and  met  the  strangers, 
who  had  already  noted  the  road  brand,  and  politely 
answered  every  question.  One  of  the  two  offered 
me  a  cigar,  and  after  lighting  it,  I  did  remember 
hearing  one  of  my  boys  say  that  among  the  herds 
lying  over  on  the  head  of  Stinking  Water  was  an 
"  Open  A  "  and  "  Drooping  T,"  but  I  was  unable 
to  recall  the  owner's  or  foremen's  names.  Compli 
menting  me  on  the  condition  of  my  beeves,  and 
assuring  me  that  I  would  have  time  to  water  my 
herd  and  reach  the  mesa  beyond  Ogalalla,  they 
passed  on  down  the  column  of  cattle. 

I  had  given  the  cook  an  order  on  an  outfitting 
house  for  new  supplies,  saying  I  would  call  or  send 
a  draft  in  the  morning.  A  new  bridge  had  been 
built  across  the  Platte  opposite  the  town,  and  when 
nearing  the  river,  the  commissary  turned  off  the 
trail  for  it,  but  the  horse-wrangler  for  the  day  gave 
the  bridge  a  wide  berth  and  crossed  the  stream  a 
mile  below  the  village.  The  width  of  the  river  was 
a  decided  advantage  in  watering  a  thirsty  herd,  as 


MARSHALING   THE   FORCES  183 

it  gave  the  cattle  room  to  thrash  around,  filling  its 
broad  bed  for  fully  a  half  mile.  Fortunately  there 
were  few  spectators,  but  I  kept  my  eye  on  the 
lookout  for  a  certain  faction,  being  well  disguised 
with  dust  and  dirt  and  a  month's  growth  of  beard. 
As  we  pushed  out  of  the  river  and  were  crossing 
the  tracks  below  the  railroad  yards,  two  other 
herds  were  sighted  coming  down  to  the  water,  their 
remudas  having  forded  above  and  below  our  cattle. 
On  scaling  the  bluffs,  we  could  see  the  trail  south 
of  the  Platte  and  on  which  arose  a  great  column 
of  dust.  Lovell  was  waiting  with  the  saddle  stock 
in  the  hills  beyond  the  town,  and  on  striking  the 
first  good  grass,  the  cattle  fell  to  grazing  while  we 
halted  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  wagon.  The  sun 
was  still  several  hours  high,  and  while  waiting  for 
our  commissary  to  come  up,  my  employer  and  my 
self  rode  to  the  nearest  point  of  observation  to 
reconnoitre  the  rear.  Beneath  us  lay  the  hamlet ; 
bat  our  eyes  were  concentrated  beyond  the  narrow 
Platte  valley  on  a  dust-cloud  which  hung  midway 
down  the  farther  slope.  As  we  watched,  an  occa 
sional  breeze  wafted  the  dust  aside,  and  the  sinu 
ous  outline  of  a  herd  creeping  forward  greeted  our 
vision.  Below  the  town  were  two  other  herds,  dis 
tinctly  separate  and  filling  the  river  for  over  a  mile 
with  a  surging  mass  of  animals,  while  in  every 
direction  cattle  dotted  the  plain  and  valley.  Turn 
ing  aside  from  the  panorama  before  us,  my  em 
ployer  said  : 


184  THE   OUTLET 

"  Tom,  you  will  have  time  to  graze  out  a  few 
miles  and  camp  to  the  left  of  the  trail.  I'll  stay 
here  and  hurry  your  wagon  forward,  and  wait  for 
Bob  and  Quince.  That  lead  herd  beyond  the  river 
is  bound  to  be  Jim's,  and  he  's  due  to  camp  on  this 
mesa  to-night,  so  these  outfits  must  give  him  room. 
If  Dave  and  Paul  are  still  free  to  act,  they  '11  know 
enough  to  water  and  camp  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Platte.  I  '11  stay  at  Flood's  wagon  to-night,  and 
you  had  better  send  a  couple  of  your  boys  into 
town  and  let  them  nose  around.  They  '11  meet  lads 
from  the  '  Open  A '  and  '  Drooping  T '  outfits  ;  and 
I  '11  send  Jim  and  Bob  in,  and  by  midnight  we  '11 
have  a  report  of  what 's  been  done.  If  any  one 
but  an  officer  takes  possession  of  those  two  herds, 
it  '11  put  us  to  the  trouble  of  retaking  them.  And 
I  think  I  've  got  men  enough  here  to  do  it." 


CHAPTER  XIII 
JUSTICE   IN   THE   SADDLE 

IT  was  an  hour  after  the  usual  time  when  we 
bedded  down  the  cattle.  The  wagon  had  over 
taken  us  about  sunset,  and  the  cook's  fire  piloted 
us  into  a  camp  fully  two  miles  to  the  right  of  the 
trail.  A  change  of  horses  was  awaiting  us,  and 
after  a  hasty  supper  Tupps  detailed  two  young 
fellows  to  visit  Ogalalla.  It  required  no  urging ; 
I  outlined  clearly  what  was  expected  of  their  mis 
sion,  requesting  them  to  return  by  the  way  of 
Flood's  wagon,  and  to  receive  any  orders  which 
my  employer  might  see  fit  to  send.  The  horse- 
wrangler  was  pressed  in  to  stand  the  guard  of  one 
of  the  absent  lads  on  the  second  watch,  and  I 
agreed  to  take  the  other,  which  fell  in  the  third. 
The  boys  had  not  yet  returned  when  our  guard 
was  called,  but  did  so  shortly  afterward,  one  of 
them  hunting  me  up  on  night-herd. 

*'  Well,"  said  he,  turning  his  horse  and  circling 
with  me,  "we  caught  onto  everything  that  was  adrift. 
The  Rebel  and  Sponsilier  were  both  in  town,  in 
charge  of  two  deputies.  Flood  and  your  brother 
went  in  with  us,  and  with  the  lads  from  the  other 
outfits,  including  those  across  the  river,  there  must 


186  THE   OUTLET 

have  been  twenty-five  of  Lovell's  men  in  town.  I 
noticed  that  Dave  and  The  Rebel  were  still  wearing 
their  six-shooters,  while  among  the  boys  the  arrests 
were  looked  upon  as  quite  a  joke.  The  two  depu 
ties  had  all  kinds  of  money,  and  would  n't  allow 
no  one  but  themselves  to  spend  a  cent.  The  biggest 
one  of  the  two  —  the  one  who  gave  you  the  cigar 
—  would  say  to  my  boss :  '  Sponsilier,  you  're  a 
trail  foreman  from  Texas  —  one  of  Don  Lovell's 
boss  men  —  but  you  're  under  arrest ;  your  cattle 
are  in  my  possession  this  very  minute.  You  under 
stand  that,  don't  you  ?  Very  well,  then  ;  everybody 
come  up  and  have  a  drink  on  the  sheriff's  office.' 
That  was  about  the  talk  in  every  saloon  and  dance- 
hall  visited.  But  when  we  proposed  starting  back 
to  camp,  about  midnight,  the  big  deputy  said  to 
Flood :  '  I  want  you  to  tell  Colonel  Lovell  that  I 
hold  a  warrant  for  his  arrest ;  urge  him  not  to  put 
me  to  the  trouble  of  coming  out  after  him.  If  he 
had  identified  himself  to  me  this  afternoon,  he 
could  have  slept  on  a  goose-hair  bed  to-night  in 
stead  of  out  there  on  the  mesa,  on  the  cold  ground. 
His  reputation  in  this  town  would  entitle  him  to 
three  meals  a  day,  even  if  he  was  under  arrest. 
Now,  we  '11  have  one  more,  and  tell  the  damned  old 
rascal  that  I  '11  expect  him  in  the  morning.' ': 

We  rode  out  the  watch  together.  On  returning 
to  Flood's  camp,  they  had  found  Don  Lovell  awake. 
The  old  man  was  pleased  with  the  report,  but  sent 
me  no  special  word  except  to  exercise  my  own  judg- 


JUSTICE   IN   THE   SADDLE  187 

ment.  The  cattle  were  tired  after  their  long  tramp 
of  the  day  before,  the  outfit  were  saddle  weary, 
and  the  first  rays  of  the  rising  sun  flooded  the 
mesa  before  men  or  animals  offered  to  arise.  But 
the  duties  of  another  day  commanded  us  anew,  and 
with  the  cook  calling  us,  we  rose  to  meet  them.  I 
was  favorably  impressed  with  Tupps  as  a  segundo, 
and  after  breakfast  suggested  that  he  graze  the 
cattle  over  to  the  North  Platte,  cross  it,  and  make 
a  permanent  camp.  This  was  agreed  to,  half  the 
men  were  excused  for  the  day,  and  after  designat 
ing,  beyond  the  river,  a  clump  of  cottonwoods 
where  the  wagon  would  be  found,  seven  of  us 
turned  and  rode  back  for  Ogalalla.  With  picked 
mounts  under  us,  we  avoided  the  other  cattle  which 
could  be  seen  grazing  northward,  and  when  fully 
halfway  to  town,  there  before  us  on  the  brink 
of  the  mesa  loomed  up  the  lead  of  a  herd.  I  soon 
recognized  Jack  Splann  on  the  point,  and  taking 
a  wide  circle,  dropped  in  behind  him,  the  column 
stretching  back  a  mile  and  coining  up  the  bluffs, 
forty  abreast  like  an  army  in  loose  marching  or 
der.  I  was  proud  of  those  "  Open  A's ; "  they  were 
my  first  herd,  and  though  in  a  hurry  to  reach  town, 
I  turned  and  rode  back  with  them  for  fully  a  mile. 
Splann  was  acting  under  orders  from  Flood, 
who  had  met  him  at  the  ford  that  morning.  If  the 
cattle  were  in  the  possession  of  any  deputy  sheriff, 
they  had  failed  to  notify  Jack,  and  the  latter  had 
already  started  for  the  North  Platte  of  his  own 


188  THE   OUTLET 

accord.  The  "  Drooping  T  "  cattle  were  in  the  im 
mediate  rear  under  Forrest's  segundo,  and  Splann 
urged  me  to  accompany  him  that  forenoon,  saying : 
"  From  what  the  boys  said  this  morning,  Dave 
and  Paul  will  not  be  given  a  hearing  until  two 
o'clock  this  afternoon.  I  can  graze  beyond  the 
North  Fork  by  that  time,  and  then  we  '11  all  go 
back  together.  Flood  's  right  behind  here  with  the 
4  Drooping  T's,'  and  I  think  it 's  his  intention  to  go 
all  the  way  to  the  river.  Drop  back  and  see  him." 
The  boys  who  were  with  me  never  halted,  but 
had  ridden  on  towards  town.  When  the  second 
herd  began  the  ascent  of  the  mesa,  I  left  Splann 
and  turned  back,  waiting  on  the  brink  for  its  ar 
rival.  As  it  would  take  the  lead  cattle  some  time  to 
reach  me,  I  dismounted,  resting  in  the  shade  of 
my  horse.  But  my  rest  was  brief,  for  the  clatter 
ing  hoofs  of  a  cavalcade  of  horsemen  were  ap 
proaching,  and  as  I  arose,  Quince  Forrest  and  Bob 
Quirk  with  a  dozen  or  more  men  dashed  up  and 
halted.  As  their  herds  were  intended  for  the  Crow 
and  Fort  Washakie  agencies,  they  would  naturally 
follow  up  the  south  side  of  the  North  Platte,  and 
an  hour  or  two  of  grazing  would  put  them  in  camp. 
The  Buford  cattle,  as  well  as  Flood's  herd,  were 
due  to  cross  this  North  Fork  of  the  mother  Platte 
within  ten  miles  of  Ogalalla,  their  respective  routes 
thenceforth  being  north  and  northeast.  Forrest, 
like  myself,  was  somewhat  leary  of  entering  the 
town,  and  my  brother  and  the  boys  passed  on 


JUSTICE   IN  THE   SADDLE  189 

shortly,  leaving  Quince  behind.  We  discussed 
every  possible  phase  of  what  might  happen  in  case 
we  were  recognized,  which  was  almost  certain  if 
Tolleston  or  the  Dodge  buyers  were  encountered. 
But  an  overweening  hunger  to  get  into  Ogalalla 
was  dominant  in  us,  and  under  the  excuse  of  set 
tling  for  our  supplies,  after  the  herd  passed,  we 
remounted  our  horses,  Flood  joining  us,  and  rode 
for  the  hamlet. 

There  was  little  external  and  no  moral  change 
in  the  town.  Several  new  saloons  had  opened,  and 
in  anticipation  of  the  large  drive  that  year,  the 
Dew-Drop-In  dance-hall  had  been  enlarged,  and 
employed  three  shifts  of  bartenders.  A  stage  had 
been  added  with  the  new  addition,  and  a  special 
importation  of  ladies  had  been  brought  out  from 
Omaha  for  the  season.  I  use  the  term  ladies 
advisedly,  for  in  my  presence  one  of  the  proprietors, 
with  marked  courtesy,  said  to  an  Eastern  stranger, 
"  Oh,  no,  you  need  no  introduction.  My  wife  is  the 
only  woman  in  town  :  all  the  balance  are  ladies." 
Beyond  a  shave  and  a  hair-cut,  Forrest  and  I 
fought  shy  of  public  places.  But  after  the  supplies 
were  settled  for,  and  some  new  clothing  was  secured, 
we  chambered  a  few  drinks  and  swaggered  about 
with  considerable  ado.  My  bill  of  supplies  amounted 
to  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  dollars,  and  when, 
without  a  word,  I  drew  a  draft  for  the  amount, 
the  proprietor  of  the  outfitting  store,  as  a  pelon, 
made  me  a  present  of  two  fine  silk  handkerchiefs. 


190  THE   OUTLET 

Forrest  was  treated  likewise,  and  having  invested 
ourselves  in  white  shirts,  with  flaming  red  ties,  we 
used  the  new  handkerchiefs  to  otherwise  decorate 
our  persons.  We  had  both  chosen  the  brightest 
colors,  and  with  these  knotted  about  our  necks, 
dangling  from  pistol-pockets,  or  protruding  from 
ruffled  shirt  fronts,  our  own  mothers  would  scarcely 
have  known  us.  Jim  Flood,  whom  we  met  casually 
on  a  back  street,  stopped,  and  after  circling  us  once, 
said,  "  Now  if  you  fellows  just  keep  perfectly  sober, 
your  disguise  will  be  complete." 

Meanwhile  Don  Lovell  had  reported  at  an  early 
hour  to  the  sheriff's  office.  The  legal  profession  was 
represented  in  Ogalalla  by  several  firms,  criminal 
practice  being  their  specialty ;  but  fortunately 
Mike  Button,  an  attorney  of  Dodge,  had  arrived  in 
town  the  day  before  on  a  legal  errand  for  another 
trail  drover.  Button  was  a  frontier  advocate,  alike 
popular  with  the  Texas  element  and  the  gambling 
fraternity,  having  achieved  laurels  in  his  home  town 
as  a  criminal  lawyer.  Mike  was  born  on  the  little 
green  isle  beyond  the  sea,  and,  gifted  with  the 
Celtic  wit,  was  also  in  logic  clear  as  the  tones  of 
a  bell,  while  his  insight  into  human  motives  was 
almost  superhuman.  Lovell  had  had  occasion  in 
other  years  to  rely  on  Button's  counsel,  and  now 
would  listen  to  no  refusal  of  his  services.  As  it 
turned  out,  the  lawyer's  mission  in  Ogalalla  was  so 
closely  in  sympathy  with  Lovell's  trouble  that  they 
naturally  strengthened  each  other.  The  highest 


JUSTICE   IN   THE   SADDLE  191 

tribunal  of  justice  in  Ogalalla  was  the  county  court, 
the  judge  of  which  also  ran  the  stock-yards  during 
the  shipping  season,  and  was  banker  for  two  monte 
games  at  the  Lone  Star  saloon.  He  enjoyed  the 
reputation  of  being  an  honest,  fearless  jurist,  and 
supported  by  a  growing  civic  pride,  his  decisions 
gave  satisfaction.  A  sense  of  crude  equity  governed 
his  rulings,  and  as  one  of  the  citizens  remarked, 
"  Whatever  the  judge  said,  went"  It  should  be 
remembered  that  this  was  in  '84,  but  had  a  similar 
trouble  occurred  five  years  earlier,  it  is  likely  that 
Judge  Colt  would  have  figured  in  the  preliminaries, 
and  the  coroner  might  have  been  called  on  to  im 
panel  a  jury.  But  the  rudiments  of  civilization  were 
sweeping  westward,  and  Ogalalla  was  nerved  to  the 
importance  of  the  occasion  ;  for  that  very  afternoon 
a  hearing  was  to  be  given  for  the  possession  of 
two  herds  of  cattle,  valued  at  over  a  quarter-million 
dollars. 

The  representatives  of  The  Western  Supply  Com 
pany  were  quartered  in  the  largest  hotel  in  town, 
but  seldom  appeared  on  the  streets.  They  had  em 
ployed  a  firm  of  local  attorneys,  consisting  of  an 
old  and  a  young  man,  both  of  whom  evidently  be 
lieved  in  the  justice  of  their  client's  cause.  All  the 
cattle-hands  in  Lovell's  employ  were  anxious  to  get 
a  glimpse  of  Tolleston,  many  of  them  patronizing 
the  bar  and  table  of  the  same  hostelry,  but  their 
efforts  were  futile  until  the  hour  arrived  for  the 
hearing.  They  probably  have  a  new  court-house  in 


192  THE   OUTLET 

Ogalalla  now,  but  at  the  date  of  this  chronicle  the 
building  which  served  as  a  temple  of  justice  was 
poorly  proportioned,  its  height  being  entirely  out 
of  relation  to  its  width.  It  was  a  two-story  affair, 
the  lower  floor  being  used  for  county  offices,  the 
upper  one  as  the  court-room.  A  long  stairway 
ran  up  the  outside  of  the  building,  landing  on  a 
gallery  in  front,  from  which  the  sheriff  announced 
the  sitting  of  the  honorable  court  of  Keith  County. 
At  home  in  Texas,  lawsuits  were  so  rare  that  though 
I  was  a  grown  man,  the  novelty  of  this  one  absorbed 
me.  Quite  a  large  crowd  had  gathered  in  advance 
of  the  hour,  and  while  awaiting  the  arrival  of  Judge 
Mulqueen,  a  contingent  of  fifteen  men  from  the  two 
herds  in  question  rode  up  and  halted  in  front  of 
the  court-house.  Forrest  and  I  were  lying  low,  not 
caring  to  be  seen,  when  the  three  plaintiffs,  the  two 
local  attorneys,  and  Tolleston  put  in  an  appearance. 
The  cavalcade  had  not  yet  dismounted,  and  when 
Dorg  Seay  caught  sight  of  Tolleston,  he  stood  up 
in  his  stirrups  and  sang  out,  "  Hello  there,  Archi 
bald  !  my  old  college  chum,  how  goes  it  ?  " 

Judge  Mulqueen  had  evidently  dressed  for  the 
occasion,  for  with  the  exception  of  the  plaintiffs,  he 
was  the  only  man  in  the  court-room  who  wore  a  coat. 
The  afternoon  was  a  sultry  one  ;  in  that  first  bottom 
of  the  Platte  there  was  scarcely  a  breath  of  air,  and 
collars  wilted  limp  as  rags.  Neither  map  nor  chart 
graced  the  unplastered  walls,  the  unpainted  furni 
ture  of  the  room  was  sadly  in  need  of  repair,  while 


JUSTICE   IN   THE   SADDLE  193 

a  musty  odor  permeated  the  room.  Outside  the 
railing  the  seating  capacity  of  the  court- room  was 
rather  small,  rough,  bare  planks  serving  for  seats, 
but  the  spectators  gladly  stood  along  the  sides  and 
rear,  eager  to  catch  every  word,  as  they  silently 
mopped  the  sweat  which  oozed  alike  from  citizen 
and  cattleman.  Forrest  and  I  were  concealed  in  the 
rear,  which  was  packed  with  Lovell's  boys,  when 
the  judge  walked  in  and  court  opened  for  the  hear 
ing.  Judge  Mulqueen  requested  counsel  on  either 
side  to  be  as  brief  and  direct  as  possible,  both  in 
their  pleadings  and  testimony,  adding :  "  If  they 
reach  the  stock -yards  in  time,  I  may  have  to  load 
out  a  train  of  feeders  this  evening.  We  '11  bed  the 
cars,  anyhow."  Turning  to  the  sheriff,  he  contin 
ued  :  "  Frank,  if  you  happen  outside,  keep  an  eye 
up  the  river ;  those  Lincoln  feeders  made  a  deal 
yesterday  for  five  hundred  three-year-olds.  —  Read 
your  complaint." 

The  legal  document  was  read  with  great  fervor 
and  energy  by  the  younger  of  the  two  local  lawyers. 
In  the  main  it  reviewed  the  situation  correctly, 
every  point,  however,  being  made  subservient  to 
their  object,  —  the  possession  of  the  cattle.  The 
plaintiffs  contended  that  they  were  the  innocent 
holders  of  the  original  contract  between  the  govern 
ment  and  The  Western  Supply  Company,  properly 
assigned  ;  that  they  had  purchased  these  two  herds 
in  question,  had  paid  earnest-money  to  the  amount 
of  sixty-five  thousand  dollars  on  the  same,  and 


194  THE   OUTLET 

concluded  by  petitioning  the  court  for  possession. 
Sutton  arose,  counseled  a  moment  with  Lovell,  and 
borrowing  a  chew  of  tobacco  from  Sponsilier, 
leisurely  addressed  the  court. 

"  I  shall  not  trouble  your  honor  by  reading  our 
reply  in  full,  but  briefly  state  its  contents,"  said  he, 
in  substance.  "  We  admit  that  the  herds  in  ques 
tion,  which  have  been  correctly  described  by  road 
brands  and  ages,  are  the  property  of  my  client.  We 
further  admit  that  the  two  trail  foremen  here  under 
arrest  as  accessories  were  acting  under  the  orders 
of  their  employer,  who  assumes  all  responsibility 
for  their  acts,  and  in  our  pleadings  we  ask  this 
honorable  court  to  discharge  them  from  further 
detention.  The  earnest-money,  said  to  have  been 
paid  on  these  herds,  is  correct  to  a  cent,  and  we 
admit  having  the  amount  in  our  possession.  But," 
and  the  little  advocate's  voice  rose,  rich  in  its  Irish 
brogue,  "  we  deny  any  assignment  of  the  original 
contract.  The  Western  Supply  Company  is  a  cor 
poration  name,  a  shield  and  fence  of  thieves.  The 
plaintiffs  here  can  claim  no  assignment,  because  they 
themselves  constitute  the  company.  It  has  been 
decided  that  a  man  cannot  steal  his  own  money, 
neither  can  he  assign  from  himself  to  himself.  We 
shall  prove  by  a  credible  witness  that  The  Western 
Supply  Company  is  but  another  name  for  John  C. 
Fields,  Oliver  Kadcliff,  and  the  portly  gentleman 
who  was  known  a  year  ago  as  '  Honest '  John  Gris- 
com,  one  of  his  many  aliases.  If  to  these  names 


JUSTICE  IN  THE   SADDLE  195 

you  add  a  few  moneyed  confederates,  you  have  The 
Western  Supply  Company,  one  and  the  same.  We 
shall  also  prove  that  for  years  past  these  same 
gentlemen  have  belonged  to  a  ring,  all  brokers  in 
government  contracts,  and  frequently  finding  it 
necessary  to  use  assumed  names,  generally  that  of 
a  corporation." 

Scanning  the  document  in  his  hand,  Sutton  con 
tinued  :  "  Our  motive  in  selling  and  accepting 
money  on  these  herds  in  Dodge  demands  a  word  of 
explanation.  The  original  contract  calls  for  five 
million  pounds  of  beef  on  foot  to  be  delivered  at 
Fort  Buford.  My  client  is  a  sub-contractor  under 
that  award.  There  are  times,  your  honor,  when  it 
becomes  necessary  to  resort  to  questionable  means  to 
attain  an  end.  This  is  one  of  them.  Within  a  week 
after  my  client  had  given  bonds  for  the  fulfillment 
of  his  contract,  he  made  the  discovery  that  he  was 
dealing  with  a  double-faced  set  of  scoundrels.  From 
that  day  until  the  present  moment,  secret-service 
men  have  shadowed  every  action  of  the  plaintiffs. 
My  client  has  anticipated  their  every  move.  When 
beeves  broke  in  price  from  five  to  seven  dollars  a 
head,  Honest  John,  here,  made  his  boasts  in  Wash 
ington  City  over  a  champagne  supper  that  he  and 
his  associates  would  clear  one  hundred  thousand 
dollars  on  their  Buford  contract.  Let  us  reason  to 
gether  how  this  could  be  done.  The  Western  Supply 
Company  refused,  even  when  offered  a  bonus,  to 
assign  their  contract  to  my  client.  But  they  were 


196  THE   OUTLET 

perfectly  willing  to  transfer  it,  from  themselves  as 
a  corporation,  to  themselves  as  individuals,  even 
though  they  had  previously  given  Don  Lovell  a  sub 
contract  for  the  delivery  of  the  beeves.  The  orig 
inal  award  was  made  seven  months  ago,  and  the 
depreciation  in  cattle  since  is  the  secret  of  why  the 
frog  eat  the  cabbage.  My  client  is  under  the  neces 
sity  of  tendering  his  cattle  on  the  day  of  delivery, 
and  proposes  to  hold  this  earnest-money  to  indem 
nify  himself  in  case  of  an  adverse  decision  at  Fort 
Buford.  It  is  the  only  thing  he  can  do,  as  The 
Western  Supply  Company  is  execution  proof,  its 
assets  consisting  of  some  stud-horse  office  furniture 
and  a  corporate  seal.  On  the  other  hand,  Don 
Lovell  is  rated  at  half  a  million,  mostly  in  pasture 
lands ;  is  a  citizen  of  Medina  County,  Texas,  and 
if  these  gentlemen  have  any  grievance,  let  them  go 
there  and  sue  him.  A  judgment  against  my  client 
is  good.  Now,  your  honor,  you  have  our  side  of  the 
question.  To  be  brief,  shall  these  old  Wisinsteiris 
come  out  here  from  Washington  City  and  dispossess 
any  man  of  his  property  ?  There  is  but  one  answer 
—  not  in  the  Republic  of  Keith." 

All  three  of  the  plaintiffs  took  the  stand,  their 
testimony  supporting  the  complaint,  Lovell's  attor 
ney  refusing  even  to  cross-examine  any  one  of  them. 
When  they  rested  their  case  Button  arose,  and 
scanning  the  audience  for  some  time,  inquired, 
"  Is  Jim  Reed  there  ?  "  In  response,  a  tall,  one- 
armed  man  worked  his  way  from  the  outer  gallery 


JUSTICE   IN   THE    SADDLE  197 

through  the  crowd  and  advanced  to  the  rail.  I 
knew  Reed  by  sight  only,  my  middle  brother  hav 
ing  made  several  trips  with  his  trail  cattle,  but  he 
was  known  to  every  one  by  reputation.  He  had 
lost  an  arm  in  the  Confederate  service,  and  was 
recognized  by  the  gambling  fraternity  as  the  gamest 
man  among  all  the  trail  drovers,  while  every  cow 
man  from  the  Rio  Grande  to  the  Yellowstone  knew 
him  as  a  poker-player.  Reed  was  asked  to  take 
the  stand,  and  when  questioned  if  he  knew  either 
of  the  plaintiffs,  said  : 

"  Yes,  I  know  that  fat  gentleman,  and  I  'm  pow 
erful  glad  to  meet  up  with  him  again,"  replied  the 
witness,  designating  Honest  John.  "  That  man  is 
so  crooked  that  he  can't  sleep  in  a  bed,  and  it 's 
one  of  the  wonders  of  this  country  that  he  has  n't 
stretched  hemp  before  this.  I  made  his  acquaint 
ance  as  manager  of  The  Federal  Supply  Company, 
and  delivered  three  thousand  cows  to  him  at  the 
Washita  Indian  Agency  last  fall.  In  the  final  set 
tlement,  he  drew  on  three  different  banks,  and  one 
draft  of  twenty-eight  thousand  dollars  came  back, 
indorsed,  drawee  unknown.  I  had  other  herds  on 
the  trail  to  look  after,  and  it  was  a  month  before 
I  found  out  that  the  check  was  bogus,  by  which 
time  Honest  John  had  sailed  for  Europe.  There 
was  nothing  could  be  done  but  put  my  claim  into 
a  judgment  and  lay  for  him.  But  I  've  got  a  grape 
vine  twist  on  him  now,  for  no  sooner  did  he  buy 
a  herd  here  last  week  than  Mr.  Button  transferred 


198  THE   OUTLET 

the  judgment  to  this  jurisdiction,  and  his  cattle 
will  be  attached  this  afternoon.  I  've  been  on  his 
trail  for  nearly  a  year,  but  he  '11  come  to  me  now, 
and  before  he  can  move  his  beeves  out  of  this 
county,  the  last  cent  must  come,  with  interest, 
attorney's  fees,  detective  bills,  and  remuneration 
for  my  own  time  and  trouble.  That 's  the  reason 
that  I  'm  so  glad  to  meet  him.  Judge,  I  've  gone 
to  the  trouble  and  expense  to  get  his  record  for  the 
last  ten  years.  He  's  so  snaky  he  sheds  his  name 
yearly,  shifting  for  a  nickname  from  Honest  John 
to  The  Quaker.  In  '80  he  and  his  associates  did 
business  under  the  name  of  The  Army  &  Sutler 
Supply  Company,  and  I  know  of  two  judgments 
that  can  be  bought  very  reasonable  against  that 
corporation.  His  record  would  convince  any  one 
that  he  despises  to  make  an  honest  dollar." 

The  older  of  the  two  attorneys  for  the  plaintiffs 
asked  a  few  questions,  but  the  replies  were  so  un 
satisfactory  to  their  side,  that  they  soon  passed  the 
witness.  During  the  cross-questioning,  however, 
the  sheriff  had  approached  the  judge  and  whispered 
something  to  his  honor.  As  there  were  no  further 
witnesses  to  be  examined,  the  local  attorneys  in 
sisted  on  arguing  the  case,  but  Judge  Mulqueen 
frowned  them  down,  saying : 

"  This  court  sees  no  occasion  for  any  argument 
in  the  present  case.  You  might  spout  until  you 
were  black  in  the  face  and  it  would  n't  change  my 
opinion  any ;  besides  I  've  got  twenty  cars  to  send 


JUSTICE   IN   THE   SADDLE  199 

and  a  train  of  cattle  to  load  out  this  evening. 
This  court  refuses  to  interfere  with  the  herds  in 
question,  at  present  the  property  of  and  in  posses 
sion  of  Don  Lovell,  who,  together  with  his  men, 
are  discharged  from  custody.  If  you  're  in  town 
to-night,  Mr.  Reed,  drop  into  the  Lone  Star. 
Couple  of  nice  monte  games  running  there  ;  hun 
dred-dollar  limit,  and  if  you  feel  lucky,  there  's  a 
nice  bank  roll  behind  them.  Adjourn  court,  Mr. 
Sheriff." 


CHAPTER  XIV 
TURNING  THE   TABLES 

"  KEEP  away  from  me,  you  common  cow -hands," 
said  Sponsilier,  as  a  group  of  us  waited  for  him  at 
the  foot  of  the  court-house  stairs.  But  Dave's 
gravity  soon  turned  to  a  smile  as  he  continued : 
"  Did  you  fellows  notice  The  Rebel  and  me  sitting 
inside  the  rail  among  all  the  big  augers?  Paul, 
was  it  a  dream,  or  did  we  sleep  in  a  bed  last  night 
and  have  a  sure-enough  pillow  under  our  heads  ? 
My  memory  is  kind  of  hazy  to-day,  but  I  remember 
the  drinks  and  the  cigars  all  right,  and  saying  to 
some  one  that  this  luck  was  too  good  to  last.  And 
here  we  are  turned  out  in  the  cold  world  again,  our 
fun  all  over,  and  now  must  go  back  to  those  measly 
cattle.  But  it 's  just  what  I  expected." 

The  crowd  dispersed  quietly,  though  the  sheriff 
took  the  precaution  to  accompany  the  plaintiffs 
and  Tolleston  back  to  their  hotel.  The  absence  of 
the  two  deputies  whom  we  had  met  the  day  before 
was  explained  by  the  testimony  of  the  one-armed 
cowman.  When  the  two  drovers  came  downstairs, 
they  were  talking  very  confidentially  together,  and 
on  my  employer  noticing  the  large  number  of  his 
men  present,  he  gave  orders  for  them  to  meet  him 
at  once  at  the  White  Elephant  saloon.  Those  who 


TURNING   THE   TABLES  201 

had  horses  at  hand  mounted  and  dashed  down  the 
street,  while  the  rest  of  us  took  it  leisurely  around 
to  the  appointed  rendezvous,  some  three  blocks 
distant.  While  on  the  way,  I  learned  from  The 
Rebel  that  the  cattle  on  which  the  attachment  was 
to  be  made  that  afternoon  were  then  being  held 
well  up  the  North  Fork.  Sheriff  Phillips  joined  us 
shortly  after  we  entered  the  saloon,  and  informed 
my  employer  and  Mr.  Reed  that  the  firm  of  Field, 
Radcliff  &  Co.  had  declared  war.  They  had  even 
denounced  him  and  the  sheriff's  office  as  being  in 
collusion  against  them,  and  had  dispatched  Tolles- 
ton  with  orders  to  refuse  service. 

"  Let  them  get  on  the  prod  all  they  want  to," 
said  Don  Lovell  to  Reed  and  the  sheriff.  "I  've  got 
ninety  men  here,  and  you  fellows  are  welcome  to 
half  of  them,  even  if  I  have  to  go  out  and  stand 
a  watch  on  night-herd  myself.  Reed,  we  can't  afford 
to  have  our  business  ruined  by  such  a  set  of  scoun 
drels,  and  we  might  as  well  fight  it  out  here  and 
now.  Look  at  the  situation  I'm  in.  A  hundred 
thousand  dollars  would  n't  indemnify  me  in  having 
my  cattle  refused  as  late  as  the  middle  of  Septem 
ber  at  Fort  Buford.  And  believing  that  I  will 
be  turned  down,  under  my  contract,  so  Sutton  says, 
1  must  tender  my  beeves  on  the  appointed  day  of 
delivery,  which  will  absolve  my  bondsmen  and 
me  from  all  liability.  A  man  can't  trifle  with  the 
government  —  the  cattle  must  be  there.  Now  in 
my  case,  Jim,  what  would  you  do  ?  " 


202  THE   OUTLET 

"  That 's  a  hard  question,  Don.  You  see  we  're 
strangers  up  in  this  Northwest  country.  Now,  if  it 
was  home  in  Texas,  there  would  be  only  one  thing 
to  do.  Of  course  I  'm  no  longer  handy  with  a  shot 
gun,  but  you  've  got  two  good  arms." 

"  Well,  gentlemen,"  said  the  sheriff,  "  you  must 
excuse  me  for  interrupting,  but  if  my  deputies  are 
to  take  possession  of  that  herd  this  afternoon,  I  must 
saddle  up  and  go  to  the  front.  If  Honest  John  and 
associates  try  to  stand  up  any  bluffs  on  my  office, 
they  '11  only  run  on  the  rope  once.  I  'm  much 
obliged  to  you,  Mr.  Lovell,  for  the  assurance  of  any 
help  I  may  need,  for  it 's  quite  likely  that  I  may 
have  to  call  upon  you.  If  a  ring  of  government 
speculators  can  come  out  here  and  refuse  service, 
or  dictate  to  my  office,  then  old  Keith  County  is 
certainly  on  the  verge  of  decadence.  Now,  I  '11  be 
all  ready  to  start  for  the  North  Fork  in  fifteen 
minutes,  and  I  'd  admire  to  have  you  all  go  along." 

Lovell  and  Reed  both  expressed  a  willingness  to 
accompany  the  sheriff.  Phillips  thanked  them  and 
nodded  to  the  force  behind  the  mahogany,  who 
dexterously  slid  the  glasses  up  and  down  the  bar, 
and  politely  inquired  of  the  double  row  confronting 
them  as  to  their  tastes.  As  this  was  the  third  round 
since  entering  the  place,  I  was  anxious  to  get  away, 
and  summoning  Forrest,  we  started  for  our  horses. 
We  had  left  them  at  a  barn  on  a  back  street,  but 
before  reaching  the  livery,  Quince  concluded  that 
he  needed  a  few  more  cartridges.  I  had  ordered 


TURNING   THE   TABLES  203 

a  hundred  the  day  before  for  my  own  personal  use, 
but  they  had  been  sent  out  with  the  supplies  and 
were  then  in  camp.  My  own  belt  was  filled  with 
ammunition,  but  on  Forrest  buying  fifty,  I  took  an 
equal  number,  and  after  starting  out  of  the  store, 
both  turned  back  and  doubled  our  purchases.  On 
arriving  at  the  stable,  whom  should  I  meet  but  the 
Wyoming  cowman  who  had  left  us  at  Grinnell. 
During  the  few  minutes  in  which  I  was  compelled 
to  listen  to  his  troubles,  he  informed  me  that  on  his 
arrival  at  Ogalalla,  all  the  surplus  cow-hands  had 
been  engaged  by  a  man  named  Tolleston  for  the 
Yellowstone  country.  He  had  sent  to  his  ranch, 
however,  for  an  outfit  who  would  arrive  that  evening, 
and  he  expected  to  start  his  herd  the  next  morning. 
But  without  wasting  any  words,  Forrest  and  I  swung 
into  our  saddles,  waved  a  farewell  to  the  wayfaring 
acquaintance,  and  rode  around  to  the  White  Ele 
phant.  The  sheriff  and  quite  a  cavalcade  of  our 
boys  had  already  started,  and  on  reaching  the  street 
which  terminated  in  the  only  road  leading  to  the 
North  Fork,  we  were  halted  by  Flood  to  await  the 
arrival  of  the  others.  Jim  Reed  and  my  employer 
were  still  behind,  and  some  little  time  was  lost 
before  they  came  up,  sufficient  to  give  the  sheriff 
a  full  half-mile  start.  But  under  the  leadership  of 
the  two  drovers,  we  shook  out  our  horses,  and  the 
advance  cavalcade  were  soon  overtaken. 

"Well,    Mr.    Sheriff,"  said   old   man    Don,    as 
he  reined  in  beside  Phillips,  "  how  do  you  like  the 


204  THE   OUTLET 

looks  of  this  for  a  posse  ?  I  '11  vouch  that  they  're  all 
good  cow-hands,  and  if  you  want  to  deputize  the 
whole  works,  why,  just  work  your  rabbit's  foot.  You 
might  leave  Eeed  and  me  out,  but  I  think  there  's 
some  forty  odd  without  us.  Jim  and  I  are  getting 
a  little  too  old,  but  we  '11  hang  around  and  run 
errands  and  do  the  clerking.  I  'm  perfectly  will 
ing  to  waste  a  week,  and  remember  that  we  've 
got  the  chuck  and  nearly  a  thousand  saddle  horses 
right  over  here  on  the  North  Fork.  You  can  move 
your  office  out  to  one  of  my  wagons  if  you  wish, 
and  whatever 's  mine  is  yours,  just  so  long  as  Hon 
est  John  and  his  friends  pay  the  fiddler.  If  he  and 
his  associates  are  going  to  make  one  hundred  thou 
sand  dollars  on  their  Buford  contract,  one  thing  is 
certain  —  I  '11  lose  plenty  of  money  on  this  year's 
drive.  If  he  refuses  service  and  you  take  possession, 
your  office  will  be  perfectly  justified  in  putting 
a  good  force  of  men  with  the  herd.  And  at  ten 
dollars  a  day  for  a  man  and  horse,  they  '11  soon  get 
sick  and  Reed  will  get  his  pay.  If  I  have  to  hold 
the  sack  in  the  end,  I  don't  want  any  company." 

The  location  of  the  beeves  was  about  twelve  miles 
from  town  and  but  a  short  distance  above  the 
herds  of  The  Rebel  and  Bob  Quirk.  It  was  nearly 
four  o'clock  when  we  left  the  hamlet,  and  by  strik 
ing  a  free  gait,  we  covered  the  intervening  distance 
in  less  than  an  hour  and  a  half.  The  mesa  between 
the  two  rivers  was  covered  with  through  cattle,  and 
as  we  neared  the  herd  in  question,  we  were  met  by 


TURNING   THE  TABLES  205 

the  larger  one  of  the  two  chief  deputies.  The  under- 
sheriff  was  on  his  way  to  town,  but  on  sighting 
his  superior  among  us,  he  halted  and  a  conference 
ensued.  Sponsilier  and  Priest  made  a  great  ado 
over  the  big  deputy  on  meeting,  and  after  a  few  in 
quiries  were  exchanged,  the  latter  turned  to  Sheriff 
Phillips  and  said : 

"  Well,  we  served  the  papers  and  I  left  the  other 
two  boys  in  temporary  possession  of  the  cattle.  It 's 
a  badly  mixed-up  affair.  The  Texas  foreman  is  still 
in  charge,  and  he  seems  like  a  reasonable  fellow. 
The  terms  of  the  sale  were  to  be  half  cash  here 
and  the  balance  at  the  point  of  delivery.  But  the 
buyers  only  paid  forty  thousand  down,  and  the  trail 
boss  refuses  to  start  until  they  make  good  their 
agreement.  From  what  I  could  gather  from  the 
foreman,  the  buyers  simply  buffaloed  the  young 
fellow  out  of  his  beeves,  and  are  now  hanging  back 
for  more  favorable  terms.  He  accepted  service 
all  right  and  assured  me  that  our  men  would  be 
welcome  at  his  wagon  until  further  notice,  so  I  left 
matters  just  as  I  found  them.  But  as  I  was  on  the 
point  of  leaving,  that  segundo  of  the  buyers  arrived 
and  tried  to  stir  up  a  little  trouble.  We  all  sat  down 
on  him  rather  hard,  and  as  I  left  he  and  the  Texas 
foreman  were  holding  quite  a  big  pow-wow." 

"  That 's  Tolleston  all  right,"  said  old  man  Don, 
"  and  you  can  depend  on  him  stirring  up  a  muss  if 
there  's  any  show.  It 's  a  mystery  to  me  how  I  tol 
erated  that'  fellow  as  long  as  I  did.  If  some  of  you 


206  THE   OUTLET 

boys  will  corner  and  hold  him  for  me,  I  'd  enjoy 
reading  his  title  to  him  in  a  few  plain  words.  It 's 
due  him,  and  I  want  to  pay  everything  I  owe. 
What 's  the  programme,  Mr.  Sheriff  ?  " 

"  The  only  safe  thing  to  do  is  to  get  full  posses 
sion  of  the  cattle,"  replied  Phillips.  "  My  deputies 
are  all  right,  but  they  don't  thoroughly  understand 
the  situation.  Mr.  Lovell,  if  you  can  lend  me  ten 
men,  I  '11  take  charge  of  the  herd  at  once  and  move 
them  back  down  the  river  about  seven  miles. 
They  're  entirely  too  near  the  west  line  of  the 
county  to  suit  me,  and  once  they  're  in  our  custody 
the  money  will  be  forthcoming,  or  the  expenses  will 
mount  up  rapidly.  Let 's  ride." 

The  under-sheriff  turned  back  with  us.  A  swell 
of  the  mesa  cut  off  a  view  of  the  herd,  but  under 
the  leadership  of  the  deputy  we  rode  to  its  summit, 
and  there  before  and  under  us  were  both  camp  and 
cattle.  Arriving  at  the  wagon,  Phillips  very  politely 
informed  the  Texas  foreman  that  he  would  have  to 
take  full  possession  of  his  beeves  for  a  few  days, 
or  until  the  present  difficulties  were  adjusted.  The 
trail  boss  was  a  young  fellow  of  possibly  thirty, 
and  met  the  sheriff's  demand  with  several  ques 
tions,  but,  on  being  assured  that  his  employer's 
equity  in  the  herd  would  be  fully  protected  with 
out  expense,  he  offered  no  serious  objection.  It 
developed  that  Keed  had  some  slight  acquaintance 
with  the  seller  of  the  cattle,  and  lost  no  time  in 
informing  the  trail  boss  of  the  record  of  the  parties 


TURNING  THE   TABLES  207 

with  whom  his  employer  was  dealing.  The  one- 
armed  drover's  language  was  plain,  the  foreman 
knew  Reed  by  reputation,  and  when  Lovell  assured 
the  young  man  that  he  would  be  welcome  at  any  of 
his  wagons,  and  would  be  perfectly  at  liberty  to 
see  that  his  herd  was  properly  cared  for,  he  yielded 
without  a  word.  My  sympathies  were  with  the 
foreman,  for  he  seemed  an  honest  fellow,  and  delib 
erately  to  take  his  herd  from  him,  to  my  impulsive 
reasoning  looked  like  an  injustice.  But  the  sheriff 
and  those  two  old  cowmen  were  determined,  and  the 
young  fellow  probably  acted  for  the  best  in  making 
a  graceful  surrender. 

Meanwhile  the  two  deputies  in  charge  failed  to 
materialize,  and  on  inquiry  they  were  reported  as 
out  at  the  herd  with  Tolleston.  The  foreman  accom 
panied  us  to  the  cattle,  and  while  on  the  way  he 
informed  the  sheriff  that  he  wished  to  count  the 
beeves  over  to  him  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 
Phillips  hesitated,  as  he  was  no  cowman,  but  Reed 
spoke  up  and  insisted  that  it  was  fair  and  just, 
saying :  "  Of  course,  you  '11  count  the  cattle  and 
give  him  a  receipt  in  numbers,  ages,  and  brands. 
It 's  not  this  young  man's  fault  that  his  herd  must 
undergo  all  this  trouble,  and  when  he  turns  them 
over  to  an  officer  of  the  law  he  ought  to  have  some 
thing  to  show  for  it.  Any  of  Lovell's  foremen  here 
will  count  them  to  a  hair  for  you,  and  Don  and 
I  will  witness  the  receipt,  which  will  make  it  good 
among  cowmen." 


208  THE   OUTLET 

Without  loss  of  time  the  herd  was  started  east. 
Tolleston  kept  well  out  of  reach  of  my  employer, 
and  besought  every  one  to  know  what  this  move 
ment  meant.  But  when  the  trail  boss  and  Jim 
Flood  rode  out  to  a  swell  of  ground  ahead,  and  the 
point-men  began  filing  the  column  through  between 
the  two  foremen,  Archie  was  sagacious  enough  to 
know  that  the  count  meant  something  serious.  In 
the  mean  time  Bob  Quirk  had  favored  Tolleston 
with  his  company,  and  when  the  count  was  nearly 
half  over,  my  brother  quietly  informed  him  that 
the  sheriff  was  taking  possession.  Once  the  atmo 
sphere  cleared,  Archie  grew  uneasy  and  restless, 
and  as  the  last  few  hundred  beeves  were  passing 
the  counters,  he  suddenly  concluded  to  return  to 
Ogalalla.  But  my  brother  urged  him  not  to  think 
of  going  until  he  had  met  his  former  employer, 
assuring  Tolleston  that  the  old  man  had  made 
inquiry  about  and  was  anxious  to  meet  him.  The 
latter,  however,  could  not  remember  anything  of 
urgent  importance  between  them,  and  pleaded  the 
lateness  of  the  hour  and  the  necessity  of  his  imme 
diate  return  to  town.  The  more  urgent  Bob  Quirk 
became,  the  more  fidgety  grew  Archie.  The  last 
of  the  cattle  were  passing  the  count  as  Tolleston 
turned  away  from  my  brother's  entreaty,  and  giv 
ing  his  horse  the  rowel,  started  off  on  a  gallop. 
But  there  was  a  scattering  field  of  horsemen  to 
pass,  and  before  the  parting  guest  could  clear  it,  a 
half-dozen  ropes  circled  in  the  air  and  deftly  settled 


TURNING   THE   TABLES  209 

over  his  horse's  neck  and  himself,  one  of  which 
pinioned  his  arms.  The  boys  were  expecting  some 
thing  of  this  nature,  and  fully  half  the  men  in 
Lo veil's  employ  galloped  up  and  formed  a  circle 
around  the  captive,  now  livid  with  rage.  Archie 
was  cursing  by  both  note  and  rhyme,  and  had  man 
aged  to  unearth  a  knife  and  was  trying  to  cut  the 
lassos  which  fettered  himself  and  horse,  when  Dorg 
Seay  rode  in  and  rapped  him  over  the  knuckles 
with  a  six-shooter,  saying,  "  Don't  do  that,  sweet 
heart  ;  those  ropes  cost  thirty-five  cents  apiece." 

Fortunately  the  knife  was  knocked  from  Tolles- 
ton's  hand  and  his  six-shooter  secured,  rendering 
him  powerless  to  inflict  injury  to  any  one.  The 
cattle  count  had  ended,  and  escorted  by  a  cordon 
of  mounted  men,  both  horse  and  captive  were  led 
over  to  where  a  contingent  had  gathered  around 
to  hear  the  result  of  the  count.  I  was  merely  a  de 
lighted  spectator,  and  as  the,other  men  turned  from 
the  cattle  and  met  us,  Lovell  languidly  threw  one 
leg  over  his  horse's  neck,  and,  suppressing  a  smile, 
greeted  his  old  foreman. 

"  Hello,  Archie,"  said  he  ;  "  it 's  been  some  little 
time  since  last  we  met.  I  've  been  hearing  some  bad 
reports  about  you,  and  was  anxious  to  meet  up  and 
talk  matters  over.  Boys,  take  those  ropes  off  his 
horse  and  give  him  back  his  irons  ;  I  raised  this  man 
and  made  him  the  cow-hand  he  is,  and  there  '&  no 
thing  so  serious  between  us  that  we  should  remain 
strangers.  Now,  Archie,  I  want  you  to  know  that 


210  THE  OUTLET 

you  are  in  the  employ  of  my  enemies,  who  are  as 
big  a  set  of  scoundrels  as  ever  missed  a  halter. 
You  and  Flood,  here,  were  the  only  two  men  in  my 
employ  who  knew  all  the  facts  in  regard  to  the 
Buf ord  contract.  And  just  because  I  would  n't  favor 
you  over  a  blind  horse,  you  must  hunt  up  the  very 
men  who  are  trying  to  undermine  me  on  this  drive. 
No  wonder  they  gave  you  employment,  for  you  're  a 
valuable  man  to  them  ;  but  it 's  at  a  serious  loss,  — 
the  loss  of  your  honor.  You  can't  go  home  to  Texas 
and  again  be  respected  among  men.  This  outfit  you 
are  with  will  promise  you  the  earth,  but  the  moment 
that  they  're  through  with  you,  you  won't  cut  any 
more  figure  than  a  last  year's  bird's  nest.  They  '11 
throw  you  aside  like  an  old  boot,  and  you  '11  fall 
so  hard  that  you  '11  hear  the  clock  tick  in  China. 
Now,  Archie,  it  hurts  me  to  see  a  young  fellow  like 
you  go  wrong,  and  I  'm  willing  to  forgive  the  past 
and  stretch  out  a  hand  to  save  you.  If  you  '11  quit 
those  people,  you  can  have  Flood's  cattle  from  here 
to  the  Rosebud  Agency,  or  I  '11  buy  you  a  ticket 
home  and  you  can  help  with  the  fall  work  at  the 
ranch.  You  may  have  a  day  or  two  to  think  this 
matter  over,  and  whatever  you  decide  on  will  be 
final.  You  have  shown  little  gratitude  for  the  op 
portunities  that  I  've  given  you,  but  we  '11  break  the 
old  slate  and  start  all  over  with  a  new  one.  Now, 
that 's  all  I  wanted  to  say  to  you,  except  to  do  your 
own  thinking.  If  you  're  going  back  to  town,  I  '11 
ride  a  short  distance  with  you." 


TURNING   THE   TABLES  211 

The  two  rode  away  together,  but  halted  within 
sight  for  a  short  conference,  after  which  Lovell 
returned.  The  cattle  were  being  drifted  east  by  the 
deputies  and  several  of  our  boys,  the  trail  boss 
having  called  off  his  men  on  an  agreement  of  the 
count.  The  herd  had  tallied  out  thirty-six  hundred 
and  ten  head,  but  in  making  out  the  receipt,  the 
fact  was  developed  that  there  were  some  six  hun 
dred  beeves  not  in  the  regular  road  brand.  These 
had  been  purchased  extra  from  another  source,  and 
had  been  paid  for  in  full  by  the  buyers,  the  seller  of 
the  main  herd  agreeing  to  deliver  them  along  with 
his  own.  This  was  fortunate,  as  it  increased  the 
equity  of  the  buyers  in  the  cattle,  and  more  than 
established  a  sufficient  interest  to  satisfy  the  judg 
ment  and  all  expenses. 

Darkness  was  approaching,  which  hastened  our 
actions.  Two  men  from  each  outfit  present  were 
detailed  to  hold  the  cattle  that  night,  and  were  sent 
on  ahead  to  Priest's  camp  to  secure  their  suppers 
and  a  change  of  mounts.  The  deposed  trail  boss 
accepted  an  invitation  to  accompany  us  and  spend 
the  night  at  one  of  our  wagons,  and  we  rode  away 
to  overtake  the  drifting  herd.  The  different  outfits 
one  by  one  dropped  out  and  rode  for  their  camps  ; 
but  as  mine  lay  east  and  across  the  river,  the  course 
of  the  herd  was  carrying  me  home.  After  passing 
The  Rebel's  wagon  fully  a  half  mile,  we  rounded  in 
the  herd,  which  soon  lay  down  to  rest  on  the  bed- 
ground.  In  the  gathering  twilight,  the  camp-fires 


212  THE   OUTLET 

of  nearly  a  dozen  trail  wagons  were  gleaming  up 
and  down  the  river,  and  while  we  speculated  with 
Sponsilier's  boys  which  one  was  ours,  the  guard 
arrived  and  took  the  bedded  herd.  The  two  old 
cowmen  and  the  trail  boss  had  dropped  out  opposite 
my  brother's  camp,  leaving  something  like  ten  men 
with  the  attached  beeves  ;  but  on  being  relieved 
by  the  first  watch,  Flood  invited  Sheriff  Phillips 
and  his  deputies  across  the  river  to  spend  the  night 
with  him. 

"  Like  to,  mighty  well,  but  can't  do  it,"  replied 
Phillips.  "  The  sheriff's  office  is  supposed  to  be  in 
town,  and  not  over  on  the  North  Fork,  but  I  '11  leave 
two  of  these  deputies  with  you.  Some  of  you  had 
better  ride  in  to-morrow,  for  there  may  be  overtures 
made  looking  towards  a  settlement ;  and  treat  those 
beeves  well,  so  that  there  can  be  no  charge  of  damage 
to  the  cattle.  Good-night,  everybody." 


CHAPTER  XV 

TOLLESTON  BUTTS  IN 

MOENING  dawned  on  a  scene  of  pastoral  grandeur. 
The  valley  of  the  North  Platte  was  dotted  with 
cattle  from  hill  and  plain.  The  river,  well  confined 
within  its  low  banks,  divided  an  unsurveyed  domain 
of  green-swarded  meadows  like  a  boundary  line 
between  vast  pastures.  The  exodus  of  cattle  from 
Texas  to  the  new  Northwest  was  nearing  flood-tide, 
and  from  every  swell  and  knoll  the  solitary  figure 
of  the  herdsman  greeted  the  rising  sun. 

Sponsilier  and  I  had  agreed  to  rejoin  our  own 
outfits  at  the  first  opportunity.  We  might  have 
exchanged  places  the  evening  before,  but  I  had 
a  horse  and  some  ammunition  at  Dave's  camp  and 
was  just  contentious  enough  not  to  give  up  a  single 
animal  from  my  own  mount.  On  the  other  hand, 
Mr.  Dave  Sponsilier  would  have  traded  whole  re 
in  udas  with  me ;  but  my  love  for  a  good  horse  was 
strong,  and  Fort  Buford  was  many  a  weary  mile 
distant.  Hence  there  was  no  surprise  shown  as 
Sponsilier  rode  up  to  his  own  wagon  that  morning 
in  time  for  breakfast.  We  were  good  friends  when 
personal  advantages  did  not  conflict,  and  where  our 
employer's  interests  were  at  stake  we  stood  shoulder 


214  THE   OUTLET 

to  shoulder  like  comrades.  Yet  Dave  gave  me  a  big 
jolly  about  being  daffy  over  my  horses,  well  know- 
ins:  that  there  is  an  indescribable  nearness  between 

O 

one  of  our  craft  and  his  own  mount.  But  warding 
off  his  raillery,  just  the  same  and  in  due  time,  I 
cantered  away  on  my  own  horse. 

As  I  rode  up  the  North  Fork  towards  my  outfit, 
the  attached  herd  was  in  plain  view  across  the 
river.  Arriving  at  my  own  wagon,  I  saw  a  mute 
appeal  in  every  face  for  permission  to  go  to  town, 
and  consent  was  readily  granted  to  all  who  had  not 
been  excused  on  a  similar  errand  the  day  before. 
The  cook  and  horse- wrangler  were  included,  and 
the  activities  of  the  outfit  in  saddling  and  getting 
away  were  suggestive  of  a  prairie  fire  or  a  stampede. 
I  accompanied  them  across  the  river,  and  then  turned 
upstream  to  my  brother's  camp,  promising  to  join 
them  later  and  make  a  full  day  of  it.  At  Bob's 
wagon  they  had  stretched  a  fly,  and  in  its  shade 
lounged  half  a  dozen  men,  while  an  air  of  languid 
indolence  pervaded  the  camp.  Without  dismount 
ing,  I  announced  myself  as  on  the  way  to  town, 
and  invited  any  one  who  wished  to  accompany  me. 
Lovell  and  Reed  both  declined ;  half  of  Bob's  men 
had  been  excused  and  started  an  hour  before,  but 
my  brother  assured  me  that  if  I  would  wait  until 
the  deposed  foreman  returned,  the  latter' s  company 
could  be  counted  on.  I  waited,  and  in  the  course 
of  half  an  hour  the  trail  boss  came  back  from  his 
cattle.  During  the  interim,  the  two  old  cowmen 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  215 

reviewed  Grant's  siege  of  Vicksburg,  both  having 
been  participants,  but  on  opposite  sides.  While  the 
guest  was  shifting  his  saddle  to  a  loaned  horse,  I 
inquired  if  there  was  anything  that  I  could  attend 
to  for  any  one  at  Ogalalla.  Lovell  could  think  of 
nothing ;  but  as  we  mounted  to  start,  Reed  aroused 
himself,  and  coming  over,  rested  the  stub  of  his 
armless  sleeve  on  my  horse's  neck,  saying : 

"  You  boys  might  drop  into  the  sheriff's  office  as 
you  go  in  and  also  again  as  you  are  starting  back. 
Report  the  cattle  as  having  spent  a  quiet  night  and, 
ask  Phillips  if  he  has  any  word  for  me." 

Turning  to  the  trail  boss  he  continued  :  "  Young 
man,  I  would  suggest  that  you  hunt  up  your  em 
ployer  and  have  him  stir  things  up.  The  cattle  will 
be  well  taken  care  of,  but  we  're  just  as  anxious  to 
turn  them  back  to  you  as  you  are  to  receive  them. 
Tell  the  seller  that  it  would  be  well  worth  his  while 
to  see  Lovell  and  myself  before  going  any  farther. 
We  can  put  him  in  possession  of  a  few  facts  that 
may  save  him  time  and  trouble.  I  reckon  that 's 
about  all.  Oh,  yes,  I  '11  be  at  this  wagon  all  even- 
ing." 

My  brother  rode  a  short  distance  with  us  and 
introduced  the  stranger  as  Hugh  Morris.  He 
proved  a  sociable  fellow,  had  made  three  trips  up 
the  trail  as  foreman,  his  first  two  herds  having  gone 
to  the  Cherokee  Strip  under  contract.  By  the  time 
we  reached  Ogalalla,  as  strong  a  fraternal  level 
existed  between  us  as  though  we  had  known  each 


216  THE   OUTLET 

other  for  years.  Halting  for  a  moment  at  the  sher 
iff's  office,  we  delivered  our  messages,  after  which 
we  left  our  horses  at  the  same  corral  with  the  under 
standing  that  we  would  ride  back  together.  A  few 
drinks  were  indulged  in  before  parting,  then  each 
went  to  attend  to  his  own  errands,  but  we  met 
frequently  during  the  day.  Once  my  boys  were 
provided  with  funds,  they  fell  to  gambling  so 
eagerly  that  they  required  no  further  thought  on 
my  part  until  evening.  Several  times  during  the 
day  I  caught  glimpses  of  Tolleston,  always  on  horse 
back,  and  once  surrounded  by  quite  a  cavalcade  of 
horsemen.  Morris  and  I  took  dinner  at  the  hotel 
where  the  trio  of  government  jobbers  were  stopping. 
They  were  in  evidence,  and  amongst  the  jolliest  of 
the  guests,  commanding  and  receiving  the  best  that 
the  hostelry  afforded.  Sutton  was  likewise  present, 
but  quiet  and  unpretentious,  and  I  thought  there 
was  a  false,  affected  note  in  the  hilarity  of  the 
ringsters,  and  for  effect.  I  was  known  to  two  of 
the  trio,  but  managed  to  overhear  any  conver 
sation  which  was  adrift.  After  dinner  and  over 
fragrant  cigars,  they  reared  their  feet  high  on  an 
outer  gallery,  and  the  inference  could  be  easily 
drawn  that  a  contract,  unless  it  involved  millions, 
was  beneath  their  notice. 

Morris  informed  me  that  his  employer's  suspi 
cions  were  aroused,  and  that  he  had  that  morning 
demanded  a  settlement  in  full  or  the  immediate  re 
lease  of  the  herd.  They  had  laughed  the  matter  off 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  217 

as  a  mere  incident  that  would  right  itself  at  the 
proper  time,  and  flashed  as  references  a  list  of  con 
gressmen,  senators,  and  bankers  galore.  But  Morris's 
employer  had  stood  firm  in  his  contentions,  refus 
ing  to  be  overawed  by  flattery  or  empty  promises. 
What  would  be  the  result  remained  to  be  seen,  and 
the  foreman  and  myself  wandered  aimlessly  around 
town  during  the  afternoon,  meeting  other  trail 
bosses,  nearly  all  of  whom  had  heard  more  or  less 
about  the  existing  trouble.  That  we  had  the  sym 
pathy  of  the  cattle  interests  on  our  side  goes  with 
out  saying,  and  one  of  them,  known  as  "  the  kid- 
gloved  foreman,"  a  man  in  the  employ  of  Shanghai 
Pierce,  invoked  the  powers  above  to  witness  what 
would  happen  if  he  were  in  Lo veil's  boots.  This 
was  my  first  meeting  with  the  picturesque  trail 
boss,  though  I  had  heard  of  him  often  and  found 
him  a  trifle  boastful  but  not  a  bad  fellow.  He  dis 
tinguished  himself  from  others  of  his  station  on  the 
trail  by  always  wearing  white  shirts,  kid  gloves, 
riding-boots,  inlaid  spurs,  while  a  heavy  silver  chain 
was  wound  several  times  round  a  costly  sombrero 
in  lieu  of  a  hatband.  We  spent  an  hour  or  more 
together,  drinking  sparingly,  and  at  parting  he 
begged  that  I  would  assure  my  employer  that  he 
sympathized  with  him  and  was  at  his  command. 

The  afternoon  was  waning  when  I  hunted  up  my 
outfit  and  started  them  for  camp.  With  one  or  two 
exceptions,  the  boys  were  broke  and  perfectly  will 
ing  to  go.  Morris  and  I  joined  them  at  the  livery 


218  THE   OUTLET 

where  they  had  left  their  horses,  and  together  we 
started  out  of  town.  Ordering  them  to  ride  on  to 
camp,  and  saying  that  I  expected  to  return  by  way 
of  Bob  Quirk's  wagon,  Morris  and  myself  stopped 
at  the  court-house.  Sheriff  Phillips  was  in  his  office 
and  recognized  us  both  at  a  glance.  "  Well,  she 's 
working,"  said  he,  "  and  I  '11  probably  have  some 
word  for  you  late  this  evening.  Yes,  one  of  the 
local  attorneys  for  your  friends  came  in  and  we 
figured  everything  up.  He  thought  that  if  this 
office  would  throw  off  a  certain  per  cent,  of  its 
expense,  and  Reed  would  knock  off  the  interest,  his 
clients  would  consent  to  a  settlement.  I  told  him 
to  go  right  back  and  tell  his  people  that  as  long  as 
they  thought  that  way,  it  would  only  cost  them  one 
hundred  and  forty  dollars  every  twenty-four  hours. 
The  lawyer  was  back  within  twenty  minutes,  bring 
ing  a  draft,  covering  every  item,  and  urged  me 
to  have  it  accepted  by  wire.  The  bank  was  closed, 
but  I  found  the  cashier  in  a  poker-game  and 
played  his  hand  while  he  went  over  to  the  depot 
and  sent  the  message.  The  operator  has  orders  to 
send  a  duplicate  of  the  answer  to  this  office,  and 
the  moment  I  get  it,  if  favorable,  I  '11  send  a  deputy 
with  the  news  over  to  the  North  Fork.  Tell  Reed 
that  I  think  the  check 's  all  right  this  time,  but  we  '11 
stand  pat  until  we  know  for  a  certainty.  We  '11  get 
an  answer  by  morning  sure." 

The   message  was  hailed  with   delight   at  Bob 
Quirk's  wagon.    On  nearing  the  river,  Morris  rode 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  219 

by  way  of  the  herd  to  ask  the  deputies  in  charge 
to  turn  the  cattle  up  the  river  towards  his  camp. 
Several  of  the  foreman's  men  were  waiting  at  my 
brother's  wagon,  and  on  Morris's  return  he  ordered 
his  outfit  to  meet  the  beeves  the  next  morning  and 
be  in  readiness  to  receive  them  back.  Our  fore 
men  were  lying  around  temporary  headquarters, 
and  as  we  were  starting  for  our  respective  camps 
for  the  night,  Lovell  suggested  that  we  hold  our 
outfits  all  ready  to  move  out  with  the  herds  on  an 
hour's  notice.  Accordingly  the  next  morning,  I 
refused  every  one  leave  of  absence,  and  gave  special 
orders  to  the  cook  and  horse-wrangler  to  have  things 
in  hand  to  start  on  an  emergency  order.  Jim  Flood 
had  agreed  to  wait  for  me,  and  we  would  recross  the 
river  together  and  hear  the  report  from  the  sheriff's 
office.  Forrest  and  Sponsilier  rode  up  about  the 
same  time  we  arrived  at  his  wagon,  and  all  four  of 
us  set  out  for  headquarters  across  the  North  Fork. 
The  sun  was  several  hours  high  when  we  reached 
the  wagon,  and  learned  that  an  officer  had  arrived 
during  the  night  with  a  favorable  answer,  that 
the  cattle  had  been  turned  over  to  Morris  without 
a  count,  and  that  the  deputies  had  started  for  town 
at  daybreak. 

"Well,  boys,"  said  Lovell,  as  we  came  in  after 
picketing  our  horses,  "  Reed,  here,  wins  out,  but 
we  're  just  as  much  at  sea  as  ever.  I  Ve  looked  the 
situation  over  from  a  dozen  different  viewpoints, 
and  the  only  thing  to  do  is  graze  across  country 


220  THE   OUTLET 

and  tender  our  cattle  at  Fort  Buford.  It 's  my 
nature  to  look  on  the  bright  side  of  things,  and  yet 
I  'm  old  enough  to  know  that  justice,  in  a  world  so 
full  of  injustice,  is  a  rarity.  By  allowing  the  ear 
nest-money  paid  at  Dodge  to  apply,  some  kind  of  a 
compromise  might  be  effected,  whereby  I  could  get 
rid  of  two  of  these  herds,  with  three  hundred  saddle 
horses  thrown  back  on  my  hands  at  the  Yellow 
stone  River.  I  might  dispose  of  the  third  herd  here 
and  give  the  remuda  away,  but  at  a  total  loss  of  at 
least  thirty  thousand  dollars  on  the  Buford  cattle. 
But  then  there  's  my  bond  to  The  Western  Supply 
Company,  and  if  this  herd  of  Morris's  fails  to 
respond  on  the  day  of  delivery,  I  know  who  will 
have  to  make  good.  An  Indian  uprising,  or  the 
enforcement  of  quarantine  against  Texas  fever,  or 
any  one  of  a  dozen  things  might  tie  up  the  herd, 
and  September  the  15th  come  and  go  and  no  beef 
offered  on  the  contract.  I  've  seen  outfits  start  out 
and  never  get  through  with  the  chuck-wagon,  even. 
Sutton's  advice  is  good;  we'll  tender  the  cattle. 
There  is  a  chance  that  we  '11  get  turned  down,  but 
if  we  do,  I  have  enough  indemnity  money  in  my 
possession  to  temper  the  wind  if  the  day  of  delivery 
should  prove  a  chilly  one  to  us.  I  think  you  had 
all  better  start  in  the  morning." 

The  old  man's  review  of  the  situation  was  a 
rational  one,  in  which  Jim  Reed  and  the  rest  of  us 
concurred.  Several  of  the  foremen,  among  them 
myself,  were  anxious  to  start  at  once,  but  Lovell 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  221 

urged  that  we  kill  a  beef  before  starting  and  divide 
it  up  among  the  six  outfits.  He  also  proposed  to 
Flood  that  they  go  into  town  during  the  afternoon 
and  freely  announce  our  departure  in  the  morning, 
hoping  to  force  any  issue  that  might  be  smoulder 
ing  in  the  enemy's  camp.  The  outlook  for  an  early 
departure  was  hailed  with  delight  by  the  older 
foremen,  and  we  younger  and  more  impulsive  ones 
yielded.  The  cook  had  orders  to  get  up  something 
extra  for  dinner,  and  we  played  cards  and  other 
wise  lounged  around  until  the  midday  meal  was  an 
nounced  as  ready.  A  horse  had  been  gotten  up  for 
Lovell  to  ride  and  was  on  picket,  all  the  relieved 
men  from  the  attached  herd  were  at  Bob's  wagon  for 
dinner,  and  jokes  and  jollity  graced  the  occasion. 
But  near  the  middle  of  the  noon  repast,  some  one 
sighted  a  mounted  man  coming  at  a  furious  pace 
for  the  camp,  and  shortly  the  horseman  dashed  up 
and  inquired  for  Lovell.  We  all  arose,  when  the 
messenger  dismounted  and  handed  my  employer  a 
letter.  Tearing  open  the  missive,  the  old  man  read 
it  and  turned  ashy  pale.  The  message  was  from 
Mike  Sutton,  stating  that  a  fourth  member  of  the 
ring  had  arrived  during  the  forenoon,  accompanied 
by  a  United  States  marshal  from  the  federal  court 
at  Omaha ;  that  the  officer  was  armed  with  an 
order  of  injunctive  relief ;  that  he  had  deputized 
thirty  men  whom  Tolleston  had  gathered,  and  pro 
posed  taking  possession  of  the  two  herds  in  ques 
tion  that  afternoon. 


222  THE   OUTLET 

"  Like  hell  they  will,"  said  Don  Lovell,  as  he 
started  for  his  horse.  His  action  was  followed  by 
every  man  present,  including  the  one-armed  guest, 
and  within  a  few  minutes  thirty  men  swung  into 
saddles,  subject  to  orders.  The  camps  of  the  two 
herds  at  issue  were  about  four  and  five  miles  down 
and  across  the  river,  and  no  doubt  Tolleston  knew 
of  their  location,  as  they  were  only  a  little  more 
than  an  hour's  ride  from  Ogalalla.  There  was  no 
time  to  be  lost,  and  as  we  hastily  gathered  around 
the  old  man,  he  said  :  "  Ride  for  your  outfits,  boys, 
and  bring  along  every  man  you  can  spare.  We  '11 
meet  north  of  the  river  about  midway  between 
Quince's  and  Tom's  camps.  Bring  all  the  cartridges 
you  have,  and  don't  spare  your  horses  going  or 


coming." 


Priest's  wagon  was  almost  on  a  line  with  mine, 
though  south  of  the  river.  Fortunately  I  was 
mounted  on  one  of  the  best  horses  in  my  string, 
and  having  the  farthest  to  go,  shook  the  kinks  out 
of  him  as  old  Paul  and  myself  tore  down  the  mesa. 
After  passing  The  Rebel's  camp,  I  held  my  course 
as  long  as  the  footing  was  solid,  but  on  encounter 
ing  the  first  sand,  crossed  the  river  nearly  opposite 
the  appointed  rendezvous.  The  North  Platte  was 
fordable  at  any  point,  flowing  but  a  midsummer 
stage  of  water,  with  numerous  wagon  crossings,  its 
shallow  channel  being  about  one  hundred  yards 
wide.  I  reined  in  my  horse  for  the  first  time  near 
the  middle  of  the  stream,  as  the  water  reached  my 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  223 

saddle-skirts ;  when  I  came  out  on  the  other  side, 
Priest  and  his  boys  were  not  a  mile  behind  me.  As 
I  turned  down  the  river,  casting  a  backward  glance, 
squads  of  horsemen  were  galloping  in  from  several 
quarters  and  joining  a  larger  one  which  was  throw 
ing  up  clouds  of  dust  like  a  column  of  cavalry.  In 
making  a  cut-off  to  reach  my  camp,  I  crossed  a 
sand  dune  from  which  I  sighted  the  marshal's 
posse  less  than  two  miles  distant.  My  boys  were 
gambling  among  themselves,  not  a  horse  under 
saddle,  and  did  not  notice  my  approach  until  I 
dashed  up.  Three  lads  were  on  herd,  but  the  rest, 
including  the  wrangler,  ran  for  their  mounts  on 
picket,  while  Parent  and  myself  ransacked  the 
wagon  for  ammunition.  Fortunately  the  supply 
of  the  latter  was  abundant,  and  while  saddles  were 
being  cinched  on  horses,  the  cook  and  I  divided  the 
ammunition  and  distributed  it  among  the  men.  The 
few  minutes'  rest  refreshed  my  horse,  but  as  we 
dashed  away,  the  boys  yelling  like  Comanches,  the 
five-mile  ride  had  bested  him  and  he  fell  slightly 
behind.  As  we  turned  into  the  open  valley,  it  was 
a  question  if  we  or  the  marshal  would  reach  the 
stream  first;  he  had  followed  an  old  wood  road 
and  would  strike  the  river  nearly  opposite  Forrest's 
camp.  The  horses  were  excited  and  straining  every 
nerve,  and  as  we  neared  our  crowd  the  posse  halted 
on  the  south  side  and  I  noticed  a  conveyance 
among  them  in  which  were  seated  four  men.  There 
was  a  moment's  consultation  held,  when  the  posse 


224  THE   OUTLET 

entered  the  water  and  began  fording  the  stream, 
the  vehicle  and  its  occupants  remaining  on  the 
other  side.  We  had  halted  in  a  circle  about  fifty 
yards  back  from  the  river-bank,  and  as  the  first 
two  men  came  out  of  the  water,  Don  Lovell  rode 
forward  several  lengths  of  his  horse,  and  with  his 
hand  motioned  to  them  to  halt.  The  leaders  stopped 
within  easy  speaking  distance,  the  remainder  of  the 
posse  halting  in  groups  at  their  rear,  when  Lovell 
demanded  the  meaning  of  this  demonstration. 

An  inquiry  and  answer  followed  identifying 
the  speakers.  "  In  pursuance  of  an  order  from  the 
federal  court  of  this  jurisdiction,"  continued  the 
marshal,  "  I  am  vested  with  authority  to  take  into 
my  custody  two  herds,  numbering  nearly  seven 
thousand  beeves,  now  in  your  possession,  and  re 
cently  sold  to  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.  for  government 
purposes.  I  propose  to  execute  my  orders  peaceably, 
and  any  interference  on  your  part  will  put  you  and 
your  men  in  contempt  of  government  authority.  If 
resistance  is  offered,  I  can,  if  necessary,  have  a 
company  of  United  States  cavalry  here  from  Fort 
Logan  within  forty-eight  hours  to  enforce  the  man 
dates  of  the  federal  court.  Now  my  advice  to  you 
would  be  to  turn  these  cattle  over  without  further 
controversy." 

"  And  my  advice  to  you,"  replied  Lovell,  "is  to 
go  back  to  your  federal  court  and  tell  that  judge 
that  as  a  citizen  of  these  United  States,  and  one 
who  has  borne  arms  in  her  defense,  I  object  to 


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THE   HIRELING   DEPUTIES   PLUNGED   INTO  THE   RIVER 


TOLLESTON   BUTTS   IN  225 

having  snap  judgment  rendered  against  me.  If 
the  honorable  court  which  you  have  the  pleasure  to 
represent  is  willing  to  dispossess  me  of  my  property 
in  favor  of  a  ring  of  government  thieves,  and  on 
only  hearing  one  side  of  the  question,  then  consider 
me  in  contempt.  I  '11  gladly  go  back  to  Omaha 
with  you,  but  you  can't  so  much  as  look  at  a  hoof 
in  my  possession.  Now  call  your  troops,  or  take  me 
with  you  for  treating  with  scorn  the  orders  of  your 
court." 

Meanwhile  every  man  on  our  side  had  an  eye  on 
Archie  Tolleston,  who  had  gradually  edged  forward 
until  his  horse  stood  beside  that  of  the  marshal. 
Before  the  latter  could  frame  a  reply  to  LovelTs 
ultimatum,  Tolleston  said  to  the  federal  officer: 

"  Did  n't  my  employers  tell  you  that  the  old 

would  defy  you  without  a  demonstration  of 

soldiers  at  your  back  ?  Now,  the  laugh  's  on  you, 
and  —  " 

"No,  it's  OB  you,"  interrupted  a  voice  at  my 
back,  accompanied  by  a  pistol  report.  My  horse 
jumped  forward,  followed  by  a  fusillade  of  shots 
behind  me,  when  the  hireling  deputies  turned  and 
plunged  into  the  river.  Tolleston  had  wheeled  his 
horse,  joining  the  retreat,  and  as  I  brought  my 
six-shooter  into  action  and  was  in  the  act  of  level 
ing  on  him,  he  reeled  from  the  saddle,  but  clung 
to  the  neck  of  his  mount  as  the  animal  dashed 
into  the  water.  I  held  my  fire  in  the  hope  that  he 
would  right  in  the  saddle  and  afford  me  a  shot,  but 


226  THE   OUTLET 

he  struck  a  swift  current,  released  his  hold,  and 
sunk  out  of  sight.  Above  the  din  and  excitement 
of  the  moment,  I  heard  a  voice  which  I  recognized 
as  Keed's,  shouting,  "  Cut  loose  on  that  team,  boys ! 
blaze  away  at  those  harness  horses !  "  Evidently  the 
team  had  been  burnt  by  random  firing,  for  they 
were  rearing  and  plunging,  and  as  I  fired  my  first 
shot  at  them,  the  occupants  sprang  out  of  the  vehicle 
and  the  team  ran  away.  A  lull  occurred  in  the 
shooting,  to  eject  shells  and  refill  cylinders,  which 
Lovell  took  advantage  of  by  ordering  back  a  num 
ber  of  impulsive  lads,  who  were  determined  to  follow 
up  the  fleeing  deputies. 

"  Come  back  here,  you  rascals,  and  stop  this 
shooting !  "  shouted  the  old  man.  "  Stop  it,  now, 
or  you  '11  land  me  in  a  federal  prison  for  life !  Those 
horsemen  may  be  deceived.  When  federal  courts 
can  be  deluded  with  sugar-coated  blandishments, 
ordinary  men  ought  to  be  excusable." 

Six-shooters  were  returned  to  their  holsters. 
Several  horses  and  two  men  on  our  side  had  re 
ceived  slight  flesh  wounds,  as  there  had  been  a 
random  return  fire.  The  deputies  halted  well  out 
of  pistol  range,  covering  the  retreat  of  the  occu 
pants  of  the  carriage  as  best  they  could,  but  leaving 
three  dead  horses  in  plain  view.  As  we  dropped 
back  towards  Forrest's  wagon,  the  team  in  the 
mean  time  having  been  caught,  those  on  foot  were 
picked  up  and  given  seats  in  the  conveyance.  Mean 
while  a  remuda  of  horses  and  two  chuck-wagons 


TOLLESTON  BUTTS  IN  227 

were  sighted  back  on  the  old  wood  road,  but  a 
horseman  met  and  halted  them  and  they  turned 
back  for  Ogalalla.  On  reaching  our  nearest  camp, 
the  posse  south  of  the  river  had  started  on  their 
return,  leaving  behind  one  of  their  number  in  the 
muddy  waters  of  the  North  Platte. 

Late  that  evening,  as  we  were  preparing  to  leave 
for  our  respective  camps,  Lovell  said  to  the  assem 
bled  foremen  :  "  Quince  will  take  Reed  and  me  into 
Ogalalla  about  midnight.  If  Sutton  advises  it,  all 
three  of  us  will  go  down  to  Omaha  and  try  and 
square  things.  I  can't  escape  a  severe  fine,  but 
what  do  I  care  as  long  as  I  have  their  money  to 
pay  it  with  ?  The  killing  of  that  fool  boy  worries 
me  more  than  a  dozen  fines.  It  was  uncalled  for, 
too,  but  he  would  butt  in,  and  you  fellows  were  all 
itching  for  the  chance  to  finger  a  trigger.  Now  the 
understanding  is  that  you  all  start  in  the  morning." 


CHAPTER  XVI 

CROSSING  THE   NIOBRARA 

THE  parting  of  the  ways  was  reached.  On  the 
morning  of  July  12,  the  different  outfits  in  charge 
of  Lovell's  drive  in  '84  started  on  three  angles  of 
the  compass  for  their  final  destination.  The  Rose 
bud  Agency,  where  Flood's  herd  was  to  be  delivered 
on  September  1,  lay  to  the  northeast  in  Dakota. 
The  route  was  not  direct,  and  the  herd  would  be 
forced  to  make  quite  an  elbow,  touching  on  the  dif 
ferent  forks  of  the  Loup  in  order  to  secure  water. 
The  Rebel  and  my  brother  would  follow  up  on  the 
south  side  of  the  North  Platte  until  near  old  Fort 
Laramie,  when  their  routes  would  separate,  the  latter 
turning  north  for  Montana,  while  Priest  would  con 
tinue  along  the  same  watercourse  to  within  a  short 
distance  of  his  destination.  The  Buford  herds  would 
strike  due  north  from  the  first  tributary  putting  in 
from  above,  which  we  would  intercept  the  second 
morning  out. 

An  early  start  was  the  order  of  the  day.  My 
beeves  were  pushed  from  the  bed-ground  with  the 
first  sign  of  dawn,  and  when  the  relief  overtook 
them,  they  were  several  miles  back  from  the  river 
and  holding  a  northwest  course.  My  camp  being 


CROSSING   THE   NIOBRARA  229 

the  lowest  one  on  the  North  Fork,  Forrest  and  Spon- 
silier,  also  starting  at  daybreak,  naturally  took  the 
lead,  the  latter  having  fully  a  five-mile  start  over 
my  outfit.  But  as  we  left  the  valley  and  came  up 
on  the  mesa,  there  on  an  angle  in  our  front,  Flood's 
herd  snailed  along  like  an  army  brigade,  anxious 
to  dispute  our  advance.  The  point-men  veered  our 
cattle  slightly  to  the  left,  and  as  the  drag-end  of 
Flood's  beeves  passed  before  us,  standing  in  our 
stirrups  we  waved  our  hats  in  farewell  to  the  lads, 
starting  on  their  last  tack  for  the  Rosebud  Agency. 
Across  the  river  were  the  dim  outlines  of  two 
herds  trailing  upstream,  being  distinguishable  from 
numerous  others  by  the  dust-clouds  which  marked 
the  moving  from  the  grazing  cattle.  The  course  of 
the  North  Platte  was  southwest,  and  on  the  direction 
which  we  were  holding,  we  would  strike  the  river 
again  during  the  afternoon  at  a  bend  some  ten  or 
twelve  miles  above. 

Near  the  middle  of  the  forenoon  we  were  met 
by  Hugh  Morris.  He  was  discouraged,  as  it  was 
well  known  now  that  his  cattle  would  be  tendered 
in  competition  with  ours  at  Fort  Buford.  There  was 
no  comparison  between  the  beeves,  ours  being 
much  larger,  more  uniform  in  weight,  and  in  better 
flesh.  He  looked  over  both  Forrest's  and  Spon- 
silier's  herds  before  meeting  us,  and  was  good 
enough  judge  of  cattle  to  know  that  his  stood  no 
chance  against  ours,  if  they  were  to  be  received  on 
their  merits.  We  talked  matters  over  for  fully  an 


230  THE  OUTLET 

hour,  and  I  advised  him  never  to  leave  Keith  County 
until  the  last  dollar  in  payment  for  his  beeves  was 
in  hand.  Morris  thought  this  was  quite  possible, 
as  information  had  reached  him  that  the  buyers  had 
recently  purchased  a  remuda,  and  now,  since  they 
had  failed  to  take  possession  of  two  of  Lovell's 
herds,  it  remained  to  be  seen  what  the  next  move 
would  be.  He  thought  it  quite  likely,  though,  that 
a  settlement  could  be  effected  whereby  he  would 
be  relieved  at  Ogalalla.  Mutually  hoping  that  all 
would  turn  out  well,  we  parted  until  our  paths 
should  cross  again. 

We  intercepted  the  North  Fork  again  during  the 
afternoon,  watering  from  it  for  the  last  time,  and 
the  next  morning  struck  the  Blue  River,  the  ex 
pected  tributary.  Sponsilier  maintained  his  posi 
tion  in  the  lead,  but  I  was  certain  when  we  reached 
the  source  of  the  Blue,  David  would  fall  to  the  rear, 
as  thenceforth  theife  was  neither  trail  nor  trace,  map 
nor  compass.  The  year  before,  Forrest  and  I  had 
been  over  the  route  to  the  Pine  Ridge  Agency, 
and  one  or  the  other  of  us  must  take  the  lead  across 
a  dry  country  between  the  present  stream  and  trib 
utaries  of  the  Niobrara.  The  Blue  possessed  the 
attributes  of  a  river  in  name  only,  and  the  third 
day  up  it,  Sponsilier  crossed  the  tributary  to  allow 
either  Forrest  or  myself  to  take  the  lead.  Quince 
professed  a  remarkable  ignorance  and  faulty  mem 
ory  as  to  the  topography  of  the  country  between  the 
Blue  and  Niobrara,  and  threw  bouquets  at  me  re- 


CROSSING  THE   NIOBRARA  231 

garding  my  ability  always  to  find  water.  It  is  true 
that  I  had  gone  and  returned  across  this  arid  belt 
the  year  before,  but  on  the  back  trip  it  was  late  in 
the  fall,  and  we  were  making  forty  miles  a  day  with 
nothing  but  a  wagon  and  remuda,  water  being  the 
least  of  my  troubles.  But  a  compromise  was  effected 
whereby  we  would  both  ride  out  the  country  anew, 
leaving  the  herds  to  lie  over  on  the  head  waters  of 
the  Blue  River.  There  were  several  shallow  lakes 
in  the  intervening  country,  and  on  finding  the  first 
one  sufficient  to  our  needs,  the  herds  were  brought 
up,  and  we  scouted  again  in  advance.  The  abun 
dance  of  antelope  was  accepted  as  an  assurance 
of  water,  and  on  recognizing  certain  landmarks, 
I  agreed  to  take  the  lead  thereafter,  and  we  turned 
back.  The  seventh  day  out  from  the  Blue,  the 
Box  Buttes  were  sighted,  at  the  foot  of  which  ran 
a  creek  by  the  same  name,  and  an  affluent  of  the 
Niobrara.  Contrary  to  expectations,  water  was  even 
more  plentiful  than  the  year  before,  and  we  grazed 
nearly  the  entire  distance.  The  antelope  were  un 
usually  tame ;  with  six-shooters  we  killed  quite  a 
number  by  flagging,  or  using  a  gentle  horse  for 
a  blind,  driving  the  animal  forward  with  the  bridle 
reins,  tacking  frequently,  and  allowing  him  to  graze 
up  within  pistol  range. 

The  Niobrara  was  a  fine  grazing  country.  Since 
we  had  over  two  months  at  our  disposal,  after  leav 
ing  the  North  Platte,  every  advantage  was  given 
the  cattle  to  round  into  form.  Ten  miles  was  a  day's 


232  THE   OUTLET 

move,  and  the  different  outfits  kept  in  close  touch 
with  each  other.  We  had  planned  a  picnic  for  the 
crossing  of  the  Niobrara,  and  on  reaching  that 
stream  during  the  afternoon,  Sponsilier  and  my 
self  crossed,  camping  a  mile  apart,  Forrest  remain 
ing  on  the  south  side.  Wild  raspberries  had  been 
extremely  plentiful,  and  every  wagon  had  gathered 
a  quantity  sufficient  to  make  a  pie  for  each  man. 
The  cooks  had  mutually  agreed  to  meet  at  Spon- 
silier's  wagon  and  do  the  baking,  and  every  man 
not  on  herd  was  present  in  expectation  of  the  com 
ing  banquet.  One  of  Forrest's  boys  had  a  fiddle, 
and  bringing  it  along,  the  festivities  opened  with 
a  stag  dance,  the  "ladies"  being  designated  by 
wearing  a  horse-hobble  loosely  around  their  necks. 
While  the  pies  were  baking,  a  slow  process  with 
Dutch  ovens,  I  sat  on  the  wagon-tongue  and  played 
the  violin  by  the  hour.  A  rude  imitation  of  the 
gentler  sex,  as  we  had  witnessed  in  dance-halls  in 
Dodge  and  Ogalalla,  was  reproduced  with  open 
shirt  fronts,  and  amorous  advances  by  the  sterner 
one. 

The  dancing  ceased  the  moment  the  banquet  was 
ready.  The  cooks  had  experienced  considerable 
trouble  in  restraining  some  of  the  boys  from  the  too 
free  exercise  of  what  they  looked  upon  as  the  inalien 
able  right  of  man  to  eat  his  pie  when,  where,  and 
how  it  best  pleased  him.  But  Sponsilier,  as  host, 
stood  behind  the  culinary  trio,  and  overawed  the 
impetuous  guests.  The  repast  barely  concluded  in 


CROSSING  THE   NIOBRARA  233 

time  for  the  wranglers  and  first  guard  from  Forrest's 
and  my  outfit  to  reach  camp,  catch  night-horses,  bed 
the  cattle,  and  excuse  the  herders,  as  supper  was 
served  only  at  the  one  wagon.  The  relieved  ones,  like 
eleventh-hour  guests,  came  tearing  in  after  dark 
ness,  and  the  tempting  spread  soon  absorbed  them. 
As  the  evening  wore  on,  the  loungers  gathered  in 
several  circles,  and  the  raconteur  held  sway.  The 
fact  that  we  were  in  a  country  in  which  game 
abounded  suggested  numerous  stories.  The  de 
lights  of  cat-hunting  by  night  found  an  enthusiast 
in  each  one  present.  Every  dog  in  our  memory, 
back  to  early  boyhood,  was  properly  introduced  and 
his  best  qualities  applauded.  Not  only  cat-hounds 
but  coon-dogs  had  a  respectful  hearing. 

"  I  remember  a  hound,"  said  Forrest's  wrangler, 
"  which  I  owned  when  a  boy  back  in  Virginia.  My 
folks  lived  in  the  foot-hills  of  the  Blue  Ridge 
Mountains  in  that  state.  We  were  just  as  poor  as 
our  poorest  neighbors.  But  if  there  was  any  one 
thing  that  that  section  was  rich  in  it  was  dogs, 
principally  hounds.  This  dog  of  mine  was  four 
years  old  when  I  left  home  to  go  to  Texas.  Fine 
hound,  swallow  marked,  and  when  he  opened  on  a 
scent  you  could  always  tell  what  it  was  that  he  was 
running.  I  never  allowed  him  to  run  with  packs, 
but  generally  used  him  in  treeing  coon,  which  pes 
tered  the  cornfields  during  roasting-ear  season  and 
in  the  fall.  Well,  after  I  had  been  out  in  Texas 
about  five  years,  I  concluded  to  go  back  on  a  little 


234  THE   OUTLET 

visit  to  the  old  folks.  There  were  no  railroads 
within  twenty  miles  of  ray  home,  and  I  had  to  hoof 
it  that  distance,  so  I  arrived  after  dark.  Of  course 
my  return  was  a  great  surprise  to  my  folks,  and 
we  sat  up  late  telling  stories  about  things  out  West. 
I  had  worked  with  cattle  all  the  time,  and  had  made 
one  trip  over  the  trail  from  Collin  County  to 
Abilene,  Kansas. 

"  My  folks  questioned  me  so  fast  that  they  gave 
me  no  show  to  make  any  inquiries  in  return,  but  I 
finally  eased  one  in  and  asked  about  my  dog  Keiser, 
and  was  tickled  to  hear  that  he  was  still  living.  I 
went  out  and  called  him,  but  he  failed  to  show  up, 
when  mother  explained  his  absence  by  saying  that 
he  often  went  out  hunting  alone  now,  since  there 
was  none  of  us  boys  at  home  to  hunt  with  him. 
They  told  me  that  he  was  no  account  any  longer ; 
that  he  had  grown  old  and  gray,  and  father  said  he 
was  too  slow  on  trail  to  be  of  any  use.  I  noticed 
that  it  was  a  nice  damp  night,  and  if  my  old  dog 
had  been  there,  I  think  I  'd  have  taken  a  circle 
around  the  fields  in  the  hope  of  hearing  him  sing 
once  more.  Well,  we  went  back  into  the  house, 
and  after  talking  awhile  longer,  I  climbed  into  the 
loft  and  went  to  bed.  I  did  n't  sleep  very  sound 
that  night,  and  awakened  several  times.  About 
an  hour  before  daybreak,  I  awoke  suddenly  and 
imagined  I  heard  a  hound  baying  faintly  in  the 
distance.  Finally  I  got  up  and  opened  the  board 
window  in  the  gable  and  listened.  Say,  boys,  I 


CROSSING  THE  NIOBRARA  235 

knew  that  hound's  baying  as  well  as  I  know  my 
own  saddle.  It  was  old  Keiser,  and  he  had  some 
thing  treed  about  a  mile  from  the  house,  across  a 
ridge  over  in  some  slashes.  I  slipped  on  my  clothes, 
crept  downstairs,  and  taking  my  old  man's  rifle  out 
of  the  rack,  started  to  him. 

"  It  was  as  dark  as  a  stack  of  black  cats,  but 
I  knew  every  path  and  byway  by  heart.  I  followed 
the  fields  as  far  as  I  could,  and  later,  taking  into 
the  timber,  I  had  to  go  around  a  long  swamp.  An 
old  beaver  dam  had  once  crossed  the  outlet  of 
this  marsh,  and  once  I  gained  it,  I  gave  a  long  yell 
to  let  the  dog  know  that  some  one  was  coming.  He 
answered  me,  and  quite  a  little  while  before  day 
broke  I  reached  him.  Did  he  know  me?  Why,  he 
knew  me  as  easy  as  the  little  boy  knew  his  pap. 
Right  now,  I  can't  remember  any  simple  thing  in 
my  whole  life  that  moved  me  just  as  that  little  re 
union  of  me  and  my  dog,  there  in  those  woods  that 
morning.  Why,  he  howled  with  delight.  He  licked 
my  face  and  hands  and  stood  up  on  me  with  his  wet 
feet  and  said  just  as  plain  as  he  could  that  he  was 
glad  to  see  me  again.  And  I  was  glad  to  meet  him, 
even  though  he  did  make  me  feel  as  mellow  as 
a  girl  over  a  baby. 

"  Well,  when  daybreak  came,  I  shot  a  nice  big 
fat  Mr.  Zip  Coon  out  of  an  old  pin-oak,  and  we 
started  for  home  like  old  pardners.  Old  as  he  was, 
he  played  like  a  puppy  around  me,  and  when  we 
came  in  sight  of  the  house,  he  ran  on  ahead  and 


236  THE  OUTLET 

told  the  folks  what  he  had  found.  Yes,  you  bet  he 
told  them.  He  came  near  clawing  all  the  clothing 
off  them  in  his  delight.  That 's  one  reason  I  always 
like  a  dog  and  a  poor  man  —  you  can't  question 
their  friendship." 

A  circus  was  in  progress  on  the  other  side  of 
the  wagon.  From  a  large  rock,  Jake  Blair  was 
announcing  the  various  acts  and  introducing  the 
actors  and  actresses.  Runt  Pickett,  wearing  a  skirt 
made  out  of  a  blanket  and  belted  with  a  hobble, 
won  the  admiration  of  all  as  the  only  living  lady 
lion-tamer.  Resuming  comfortable  positions  on  our 
side  of  the  commissary,  a  lad  named  Waterwall, 
one  of  Sponsilier's  boys,  took  up  the  broken  thread 
where  Forrest's  wrangler  had  left  off. 

"  The  greatest  dog-man  I  ever  knew,"  said  he, 
"lived  on  the  Guadalupe  River.  His  name  was 
Dave  Hapfinger,  and  he  had  the  loveliest  vagabond 
temperament  of  any  man  I  ever  saw.  It  mattered 
nothing  what  he  was  doing,  all  you  had  to  do  was 
to  give  old  Dave  a  hint  that  you  knew  where  there 
was  fish  to  be  caught,  or  a  bee-course  to  hunt,  and 
he  would  stop  the  plow  and  go  with  you  for  a  week 
if  necessary.  He  loved  hounds  better  than  any  man 
I  ever  knew.  You  couldn't  confer  greater  favor 
than  to  give  him  a  promising  hound  pup,  or,  seek 
ing  the  same,  ask  for  one  of  his  raising.  And  he 
was  such  a  good  fellow.  If  any  one  was  sick  in  the 
neighborhood,  Uncle  Dave  always  had  time  to  kill 
them  a  squirrel  every  day ;  and  he  could  make  a 


CROSSING  THE  NIOBRARA  237 

broth  for  a  baby,  or  fry  a  young  squirrel,  in  a  man 
ner  that  would  make  a  sick  man's  mouth  water. 

"  When  I  was  a  boy,  I  've  laid  around  many  a 
camp-fire  this  way  and  listened  to  old  Dave  tell 
stories.  He  was  quite  a  humorist  in  his  way,  and 
possessed  a  wonderful  memory.  He  could  tell  you 
the  day  of  the  month,  thirty  years  before,  when  he 
went  to  mill  one  time  and  found  a  peculiar  bird's 
nest  on  the  way.  Colonel  Andrews,  owner  of  sev 
eral  large  plantations,  did  n't  like  Dave,  and  threat 
ened  to  prosecute  him  once  for  cutting  a  bee-tree 
on  his  land.  If  the  evidence  had  been  strong  enough, 
I  reckon  the  Colonel  would.  No  doubt  Uncle  Dave 
was  guilty,  but  mere  suspicion  is  n't  sufficient 
proof. 

"  Colonel  Andrews  was  a  haughty  old  fellow, 
blue-blooded  and  proud  as  a  peacock,  and  about 
the  only  way  Dave  could  get  even  with  him  was  in 
his  own  mild,  humorous  way.  One  day  at  dinner  at 
a  neighboring  log-rolling,  when  all  danger  of  pro 
secution  for  cutting  the  bee-tree  had  passed,  Uncle 
Dave  told  of  a  recent  dream  of  his,  a  pure  inven 
tion.  *  I  dreamt,'  said  he,  '  that  Colonel  Andrews 
died  and  went  to  heaven.  There  was  an  unusually 
big  commotion  at  St.  Peter's  gate  on  his  arrival. 
A  troop  of  angels  greeted  him,  still  the  Colonel 
seemed  displeased  at  his  reception.  But  the  wel 
coming  hosts  humored  him  forward,  and  on  nearing 
the  throne,  the  Almighty,  recognizing  the  distin 
guished  arrival,  vacated  the  throne  and  came  down 


238  THE   OUTLET 

to  greet  the  Colonel  personally.  At  this  mark  of 
appreciation,  he  relaxed  a  trifle,  and  when  the 
Almighty  insisted  that  he  should  take  the  throne 
seat,  Colonel  Andrews  actually  smiled  for  the  first 
time  on  earth  or  in  heaven.' 

"  Uncle  Dave  told  this  story  so  often  that  he 
actually  believed  it  himself.  But  finally  a  wag  friend 
of  Colonel  Andrews  told  of  a  dream  which  he  had 
had  about  old  Dave,  which  the  latter  hugely  en 
joyed.  According  to  this  second  vagary,  the  old 
vagabond  had  also  died  and  gone  to  heaven.  There 
was  some  trouble  at  St.  Peter's  gate,  as  they  refused 
to  admit  dogs,  and  Uncle  Dave  always  had  a  troop 
of  hounds  at  his  heels.  When  he  found  that  it 
was  useless  to  argue  the  matter,  he  finally  yielded 
the  point  and  left  the  pack  outside.  Once  inside 
the  gate  he  stopped,  bewildered  at  the  scene  before 
him.  But  after  waiting  inside  some  little  time 
unnoticed,  he  turned  and  was  on  the  point  of  asking 
the  gate-keeper  to  let  him  out,  when  an  angel  ap 
proached  and  asked  him  to  stay.  There  was  some 
doubt  in  Dave's  mind  if  he  would  like  the  place, 
but  the  messenger  urged  that  he  remain  and  at 
least  look  the  city  over.  The  old  hunter  good- 
naturedly  consented,  and  as  they  started  up  one  of 
the  golden  streets  Uncle  Dave  recognized  an  old 
friend  who  had  once  given  him  a  hound  pup.  Ex 
cusing  himself  to  the  angel,  he  rushed  over  to  his 
former  earthly  friend  and  greeted  him  with  warmth 
and  cordiality.  The  two  old  cronies  talked  and 


CROSSING   THE  NIOBRARA  239 

talked  about  the  things  below,  and  finally  Uncle 
Dave  asked  if  there  was  any  hunting  up  there. 
The  reply  was  disappointing. 

"  Meanwhile  the  angel  kept  urging  Uncle  Dave 
forward  to  salute  the  throne.  But  he  loitered  along, 
meeting  former  hunting  acquaintances,  and  stop 
ping  with  each  for  a  social  chat.  When  they  finally 
neared  the  throne,  the  patience  of  the  angel  was 
nearly  exhausted ;  and  as  old  Dave  looked  up  and 
saw  Colonel  Andrews  occupying  the  throne,  he  re 
belled  and  refused  to  salute,  when  the  angel  wrath- 
fully  led  him  back  to  the  gate  and  kicked  him  out 
among  his  dogs." 

Jack  Splann  told  a  yarn  about  the  friendship  of 
a  pet  lamb  and  dog  which  he  owned  when  a  boy. 
It  was  so  unreasonable  that  he  was  interrupted 
on  nearly  every  assertion.  Long  before  he  had 
finished,  Sponsilier  checked  his  narrative  and  in 
formed  him  that  if  he  insisted  on  doling  out  fiction 
he  must  have  some  consideration  for  his  listeners, 
and  at  least  tell  it  within  reason.  Splann  stopped 
right  there  and  refused  to  conclude  his  story,  though 
no  one  but  myself  seemed  to  regret  it.  I  had  a  true 
incident  about  a  dog  which  I  expected  to  tell,  but 
the  audience  had  become  too  critical,  and  I  kept 
quiet.  As  it  was  evident  that  no  more  dog  stories 
would  be  told,  the  conversation  was  allowed  to  drift 
at  will.  The  recent  shooting  on  the  North  Platte 
had  been  witnessed  by  nearly  every  one  present,  and 
was  suggestive  of  other  scenes. 


240  THE   OUTLET 

"I  have  always  contended,"  said  Dorg  Seay, 
"  that  the  man  who  can  control  his  temper  always 
shoots  the  truest.  You  take  one  of  these  fellows 
that  can  smile  and  shoot  at  the  same  time  —  they 
are  the  boys  that  I  want  to  stand  in  with.  But 
speaking  of  losing  the  temper,  did  any  of  you  ever 
see  a  woman  real  angry,  —  not  merely  cross,  but  the 
tigress  in  her  raging  and  thirsting  to  tear  you  limb 
from  limb  ?  I  did  only  once,  but  I  have  never  for 
gotten  the  occasion.  In  supreme  anger  the  only 
superior  to  this  woman  I  ever  witnessed  was  Captain 
Cartwright  when  he  shot  ,the  slayer  of  his  only 
son.  He  was  as  cool  as  a  cucumber,  as  his  only  shot 
proved,  but  years  afterward  when  he  told  me  of 
the  incident,  he  lost  all  control  of  himself,  and  fire 
flashed  from  his  eyes  like  from  the  muzzle  of  a  six- 
shooter.  4  Dorg,'  said  he,  unconsciously  shaking 
me  like  a  terrier  does  a  rat,  his  blazing  eyes  not 
a  foot  from  my  face,  4  Dorg,  when  I  shot  that  cow 
ardly  ,  I  did  n't  miss  the  centre  of  his 

forehead  the  width  of  my  thumb  nail.' 

"  But  this  woman  defied  a  throng  of  men.  Quite 
a  few  of  the  crowd  had  assisted  the  night  before  in 
lynching  her  husband,  and  this  meeting  occurred 
at  the  burying-ground  the  next  afternoon.  The 
woman's  husband  was  a  well-known  horse-thief, 
a  dissolute,  dangerous  character,  and  had  been 
warned  to  leave  the  community.  He  lived  in  a  little 
village,  and  after  darkness  the  evening  before,  had 
crept  up  to  a  window  and  shot  a  man  sitting  at  the 


CROSSING  THE   NIOBRARA  241 

supper-table  with  his  family.  The  murderer  had 
harbored  a  grudge  against  his  victim,  had  made 
threats,  and  before  he  could  escape,  was  caught 
red-handed  with  the  freshly  fired  pistol  in  his  hand. 
The  evidence  of  guilt  was  beyond  question,  and 
a  vigilance  committee  did  n't  waste  any  time  in 
hanging  him  to  the  nearest  tree. 

"The  burying  took  place  the  next  afternoon. 
The  murdered  man  was  a  popular  citizen,  and  the 
village  and  country  turned  out  to  pay  their  last 
respects.  But  when  the  services  were  over,  a  num 
ber  of  us  lingered  behind,  as  it  was  understood  that 
the  slayer  as  well  as  his  victim  would  be  interred 
in  the  same  grounds.  A  second  grave  had  been 
prepared,  and  within  an  hour  a  wagon  containing  a 
woman,  three  small  children,  and  several  Mexicans 
drove  up  to  the  rear  side  of  the  inclosure.  There 
was  no  mistaking  the  party,  the  coffin  was  carried 
in  to  the  open  grave,  when  every  one  present  went 
over  to  offer  friendly  services.  But  as  we  neared 
the  little  group  the  woman  picked  up  a  shovel 
and  charged  on  us  like  a  tigress.  I  never  saw  such 
an  expression  of  mingled  anger  and  anguish  in  a 
human  countenance  as  was  pictured  in  that  woman's 
face.  We  shrank  from  her  as  if  she  had  been  a 
lioness,  and  when  at  last  she  found  her  tongue, 
every  word  cut  like  a  lash.  Livid  with  rage,  the 
spittle  frothing  from  her  mouth,  she  drove  us  away, 
saying  : 

444  Oh,  you  fiends  of  hell,  when  did  I  ask  your 


242  THE   OUTLET 

help  ?  Like  the  curs  you  are,  you  would  lick  up  the 
blood  of  your  victim  !  Had  you  been  friends  to  me 
or  mine,  why  did  you  not  raise  your  voice  in  protest 
when  they  were  strangling  the  life  out  of  the  father 
of  my  children  ?  Away,  you  cowardly  hounds  !  I  've 
hired  a  few  Mexicans  to  help  me,  and  I  want  none 
of  your  sympathy  in  this  hour.  Was  it  your  hand 
that  cut  him  down  from  the  tree  this  morning,  and 
if  it  was  not,  why  do  I  need  you  now  ?  Is  my 
shame  not  enough  in  your  eyes  but  that  you  must 
taunt  me  further  ?  Do  my  innocent  children  want 
to  look  upon  the  faces  of  those  who  robbed  them 
of  a  father  ?  If  there  is  a  spark  of  manhood  left 
in  one  of  you,  show  it  by  leaving  me  alone !  And 
you  other  scum,  never  fear  but  that  you  will  clutter 
hell  in  reward  for  last  night's  work.  Begone,  and 
leave  me  with  my  dead  ! ' : 

The  circus  had  ended.  The  lateness  of  the  hour 
was  unobserved  by  any  one  until  John  Levering 
asked  me  if  he  should  bring  in  my  horse.  It  lacked 
less  than  half  an  hour  until  the  guards  should 
change,  and  it  was  high  time  our  outfit  was  riding 
for  camp.  The  innate  modesty  of  my  wrangler,  in 
calling  attention  to  the  time,  was  not  forgotten,  but 
instead  of  permitting  him  to  turn  servant,  I  asked 
him  to  help  our  cook  look  after  his  utensils.  On 
my  return  to  the  wagon,  Parent  was  trying  to  quiet 
a  nervous  horse  so  as  to  allow  him  to  carry  the 
Dutch  oven  returning.  But  as  Levering  was  in  the 


CROSSING  THE   NIOBRARA  243 

act  of  handing  up  the  heavy  oven,  one  of  Forrest's 
men,  hoping  to  make  the  animal  buck,  attempted 
to  place  a  brier  stem  under  the  horse's  tail.  Spon- 
silier  detected  the  movement  in  time  to  stop  it, 
and  turning  to  the  culprit,  said  :  "  None  of  that,  my 
bully  boy.  I  have  no  objection  to  killing  a  cheap 
cow-hand,  but  these  cooks  have  won  me,  hands 
down.  If  ever  I  run  across  a  girl  who  can  make 
as  good  pies  as  we  had  for  supper,  she  can  win  the 
affections  of  my  young  and  trusting  heart." 


CHAPTER  XVII 
WATER-BOUND 

OUR  route  was  carrying  us  to  the  eastward  of  the 
Black  Hills.  The  regular  trail  to  the  Yellowstone 
and  Montana  points  was  by  the  way  of  the  Powder 
River,  through  Wyoming ;  but  as  we  were  only 
grazing  across  to  our  destination,  the  most  direct 
route  was  adopted.  The  first  week  after  leaving  the 
Niobrara  was  without  incident,  except  the  meeting 
with  a  band  of  Indians,  who  were  gathering  and 
drying  the  wild  fruit  in  which  the  country  abounded. 
At  first  sighting  their  camp  we  were  uneasy,  hold 
ing  the  herd  close  together ;  but  as  they  proved 
friendly,  we  relaxed  and  shared  our  tobacco  with 
the  men.  The  women  were  nearly  all  of  one  stat 
ure,  short,  heavy,  and  repulsive  in  appearance, 
while  the  men  were  tall,  splendid  specimens  of  the 
aborigines,  and  as  uniform  in  a  dozen  respects  as 
the  cattle  we  were  driving.  Communication  was  im 
possible,  except  by  signs,  but  the  chief  had  a  letter 
of  permission  from  the  agent  at  Pine  Ridge,  allow 
ing  himself  and  band  a  month's  absence  from  the 
reservation  on  a  berrying  expedition.  The  bucks 
rode  with  us  for  hours,  silently  absorbed  in  the 
beeves,  and  towards  evening  turned  and  galloped 
away  for  their  encampment. 


WATER-BOUND  245 

It  must  have  been  the  latter  part  of  July  when 
we  reached  the  South  Fork  of  the  Big  Cheyenne 
River.  The  lead  was  first  held  by  one  and  then  the 
other  herd,  but  on  reaching  that  watercourse,  we  all 
found  it  more  formidable  than  we  expected.  The 
stage  of  water  was  not  only  swimming,  but  where 
we  struck  it,  the  river  had  an  abrupt  cut-bank  on 
one  side  or  the  other.  Sponsilier  happened  to  be 
in  the  lead,  and  Forrest  and  myself  held  back  to 
await  the  decision  of  the  veteran  foreman.  The  river 
ran  on  a  northwest  angle  where  we  encountered  it, 
and  Dave  followed  down  it  some  distance  looking 
for  a  crossing.  The  herds  were  only  three  or  four 
miles  apart,  and  assistance  could  have  been  ren 
dered  each  other,  but  it  was  hardly  to  be  expected 
that  an  older  foreman  would  ask  either  advice  or 
help  from  younger  ones.  Hence  Quince  and  my 
self  were  in  no  hurry,  nor  did  we  intrude  ourselves 
on  David  the  pathfinder,  but  sought  out  a  crossing 
up  the  river  and  on  our  course.  A  convenient  riffle 
was  soon  found  in  the  river  which  would  admit  the 
passage  of  the  wagons  without  rafting,  if  a  cut-bank 
on  the  south  side  could  be  overcome.  There  was  an 
abrupt  drop  of  about  ten  feet  to  the  water  level, 
and  I  argued  that  a  wagon-way  could  be  easily  cut 
in  the  bank  and  the  commissaries  lowered  to  the 
river's  edge  with  a  rope  to  the  rear  axle.  Forrest 
also  favored  the  idea,  and  I  was  authorized  to  cross 
the  wagons  in  case  a  suitable  ford  could  be  found 
for  the  cattle.  My  aversion  to  manual  labor  was 


246  THE   OUTLET 

quite  pronounced,  yet  John  Q.  Forrest  wheedled  me 
into  accepting  the  task  of  making  a  wagon-road. 
About  a  mile  above  the  rjffle,  a  dry  wash  cut  a 
gash  in  the  bluff  bank  on  the  opposite  side,  which 
promised  the  necessary  passageway  for  the  herds 
out  of  the  river.  The  slope  on  the  south  side  was 
gradual,  affording  an  easy  inlet  to  the  water,  the 
only  danger  being  on  the  other  bank,  the  dry  wash 
not  being  over  thirty  feet  wide.  But  we  both  agreed 
that  by  putting  the  cattle  in  well  above  the  passage 
way,  even  if  the  current  was  swift,  an  easy  and 
successful  ford  would  result.  Forrest  volunteered 
to  cross  the  cattle,  and  together  we  returned  to  the 
herds  for  dinner. 

Quince  allowed  me  one  of  his  men  besides  the 
cook,  and  detailed  Clay  Zilligan  to  assist  with  the 
wagons.  We  took  my  remuda,  the  spades  and  axes, 
and  started  for  the  riffle.  The  commissaries  had 
orders  to  follow  up,  and  Forrest  rode  away  with 
a  supercilious  air,  as  if  the  crossing  of  wagons  was 
beneath  the  attention  of  a  foreman  of  his  standing. 
Several  hours  of  hard  work  were  spent  with  the  im 
plements  at  hand  in  cutting  the  wagon-way  through 
the  bank,  after  which  my  saddle  horses  were  driven 
up  and  down  ;  and  when  it  was  pronounced  finished, 
it  looked  more  like  a  beaver-slide  than  a  roadway. 
But  a  strong  stake  was  cut  and  driven  into  the 
ground,  and  a  corral-rope  taken  from  the  axle  to  it ; 
without  detaching  the  teams,  the  wagons  were  eased 
down  the  incline  and  crossed  in  safety,  the  water 


WATER-BOUND  247 

not  being  over  three  feet  deep  in  the  shallows.  1  was 
elated  over  the  ease  and  success  of  my  task,  when 
Zilligan  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  first 
herd  had  not  yet  crossed.  The  chosen  ford  was  out 
of  sight,  but  had  the  cattle  been  crossing,  we  could 
have  easily  seen  them  on  the  mesa  opposite.  "Well," 
said  Clay,  "  the  wagons  are  over,  and  what 's  more, 
all  the  mules  in  the  three  outfits  could  n't  bring  one 
of  them  back  up  that  cliff." 

We  mounted  our  horses,  paying  no  attention  to 
Zilligan's  note  of  warning,  and  started  up  the  river. 
But  before  we  came  in  view  of  the  ford,  a  great 
shouting  reached  our  ears,  and  giving  our  horses 
the  rowel,  we  rounded  a  bend,  only  to  be  con 
fronted  with  the  river  full  of  cattle  which  had 
missed  the  passageway  out  on  the  farther  side.  A 
glance  at  the  situation  revealed  a  dangerous  pre 
dicament,  as  the  swift  water  and  the  contour  of  the 
river  held  the  animals  on  the  farther  side  or  under 
the  cut-bank.  In  numerous  places  there  was  footing 
on  the  narrow  ledges  to  which  the  beeves  clung 
like  shipwrecked  sailors,  constantly  crowding  each 
other  off  into  the  current  and  being  carried  down 
stream  hundreds  of  yards  before  again  catching 
a  foothold.  Above  and  below  the  chosen  ford,  the 
river  made  a  long  gradual  bend,  the  current  and 
deepest  water  naturally  hugged  the  opposite  shore, 
and  it  was  impossible  for  the  cattle  to  turn  back, 
though  the  swimming  water  was  not  over  forty 
yards  wide.  As  we  dashed  up,  the  outfit  succeeded 


248  THE   OUTLET 

in  cutting  the  train  of  cattle  and  turning  them 
back,  though  fully  five  hundred  were  in  the  river, 
while  not  over  one  fifth  that  number  had  crossed 
in  safety.  Forrest  was  as  cool  as  could  be  expected, 
and  exercised  an  elegant  command  of  profanity  in 
issuing  his  orders. 

"  I  did  allow  for  the  swiftness  of  the  current," 
said  he,  in  reply  to  a  criticism  of  mine,  "  but 
those  old  beeves  just  drifted  downstream  like  a 
lot  of  big  tubs.  The  horses  swam  it  easy,  and  the 
first  hundred  cattle  struck. the  mouth  of  the  wash 
square  in  the  eye,  but  after  that  they  misunderstood 
it  for  a  bath  instead  of  a  ford.  Oh,  well,  it 's  live 
and  learn,  die  and  forget  it.  But  since  you  're  so 
d —  strong  on  the  sabe,  suppose  you  suggest  a  way 
of  getting  those  beeves  out  of  the  river." 

It  was  impossible  to  bring  them  back,  and  the 
only  alternative  was  attempted.  About  three  quar 
ters  of  a  mile  down  the  river  the  cut-bank  shifted 
to  the  south  side.  If  the  cattle  could  swim  that  dis 
tance  there  was  an  easy  landing  below.  The  beeves 
belonged  to  Forrest's  herd,  and  I  declined  the  prof 
fered  leadership,  but  plans  were  outlined  and  we 
started  the  work  of  rescue.  Only  a  few  men  were 
left  to  look  after  the  main  herds,  the  remainder 
of  us  swimming  the  river  on  our  horses.  One 
man  was  detailed  to  drive  the  contingent  which 
had  safely  forded,  down  to  the  point  where  the 
bluff  bank  shifted  and  the  incline  commenced 
on  the  north  shore.  The  cattle  were  clinging,  in 


WATER-BOUND  249 

small  bunches,  under  the  cut-bank  like  swallows  to 
a  roof  for  fully  a  quarter-mile  below  the  mouth 
of  the  dry  wash.  Divesting  ourselves  of  all  cloth 
ing,  a  squad  of  six  of  us,  by  way  of  experiment, 
dropped  over  the  bank  and  pushed  into  the  river 
about  twenty  of  the  lowest  cattle.  On  catching 
the  full  force  of  the  current,  which  ran  like  a 
mill-race,  we  swept  downstream  at  a  rapid  pace, 
sometimes  clinging  to  a  beef's  tail,  but  generally 
swimming  between  the  cattle  and  the  bluff.  The 
force  of  the  stream  drove  them  against  the  bank 
repeatedly,  but  we  dashed  water  in  their  eyes 
and  pushed  them  off  again  and  again,  and  finally 
landed  every  steer. 

The  Big  Cheyenne  was  a  mountain  stream,  hav 
ing  numerous  tributaries  heading  in  the  Black  Hills. 
The  water  was  none  too  warm,  and  when  we  came 
out  the  air  chilled  us ;  but  we  scaled  the  bluff 
and  raced  back  after  more  cattle.  Forrest  was  in 
the  river  on  our  return,  but  I  ordered  his  wrangler 
to  drive  all  the  horses  under  saddle  down  to  the 
landing,  in  order  that  the  men  could  have  mounts 
for  returning.  This  expedited  matters,  and  the 
work  progressed  more  rapidly.  Four  separate  squads 
were  drifting  the  cattle,  but  in  the  third  contingent 
we  cut  off  too  many  beeves  and  came  near  drowning 
two  fine  ones.  The  animals  in  question  were  large 
and  strong,  but  had  stood  for  nearly  an  hour  on  a  sli  p- 
pery  ledge,  frequently  being  crowded  into  the  water, 
and  were  on  the  verge  of  collapse  from  nervous 


250  THE   OUTLET 

exhaustion.  They  were  trembling  like  leaves  when 
we  pushed  them  off.  Runt  Pickett  was  detailed 
to  look  especially  after  those  two,  and  the  little 
rascal  nursed  and  toyed  and  played  with  them  like 
a  circus  rider.  They  struggled  constantly  for  the 
inshore,  but  Runt  rode  their  rumps  alternately,  the 
displacement  lifting  their  heads  out  of  the  water  to 
good  advantage.  When  we  finally  landed,  the  two 
big  fellows  staggered  out  of  the  river  arid  dropped 
down  through  sheer  weakness,  a  thing  which  I  had 
never  seen  before  except  in  wild  horses. 

A  number  of  the  boys  were  attacked  by  chills, 
and  towards  evening  had  to  be  excused  for  fear  of 
cramps.  By  six  o'clock  we  were  reduced  to  two 
squads,  with  about  fifty  cattle  still  remaining  in  the 
river.  Forrest  and  I  had  quit  the  water  after  the 
fourth  trip  ;  but  Quince  had  a  man  named  De  Manse, 
a  Frenchman,  who  swam  like  a  wharf -rat  and  who 
stayed  to  the  finish,  while  I  turned  my  crew  over 
to  Runt  Pickett.  The  latter  was  raised  on  the 
coast  of  Texas,  and  when  a  mere  boy  could  swim  all 
day,  with  or  without  occasion.  Dividing  the  remain 
ing  beeves  as  near  equally  as  possible,  Runt's 
squad  pushed  off  slightly  in  advance  of  De  Manse, 
the  remainder  of  us  riding  along  the  bank  with  the 
horses  and  clothing,  and  cheering  our  respective 
crews.  The  Frenchman  was  but  a  moment  later  in 
taking  the  water,  and  as  pretty  and  thrilling  a  race 
as  I  ever  witnessed  was  in  progress.  The  latter 
practiced  a  trick,  when  catching  a  favorable  cur- 


WATER-BOUND  251 

rent,  of  dipping  the  rump  of  a  steer,  thus  lifting 
his  fore  parts  and  rocking  him  forward  like  a  por 
poise.  "When  a  beef  dropped  to  the  sear,  this  pro 
cess  was  resorted  to,  and  De  Manse  promised  to 
overtake  Pickett.  From  our  position  on  the  bank, 
we  shouted  to  Runt  to  dip  his  drag  cattle  in  swift 
water  ;  but  amid  the  din  and  splash  of  the  struggling 
swimmers  our  messages  failed  to  reach  his  ears. 
De  Manse  was  gaining  slowly,  when  Pickett's  bunch 
were  driven  inshore,  a  number  of  them  catching  a 
footing,  and  before  they  could  be  again  pushed  off, 
the  Frenchman's  cattle  were  at  their  heels.  A  num 
ber  of  De  Manse's  men  were  swimming  shoreward 
of  their  charges,  and  succeeded  in  holding  their 
beeves  off  the  ledge,  which  was  the  last  one  before 
the  landing.  The  remaining  hundred  yards  was 
eddy  water  ;  and  though  Pickett  fought  hard,  swim 
ming  among  the  Frenchman's  lead  cattle,  to  hold 
the  two  bunches  separate,  they  mixed  in  the  river. 
As  an  evidence  of  victory,  however,  when  the  cattle 
struck  a  foothold,  Runt  and  each  of  his  men 
mounted  a  beef  and  rode  out  of  the  water  some 
distance.  As  the  steers  recovered  and  attempted 
to  dislodge  their  riders,  they  nimbly  sprang  from 
their  backs  and  hustled  themselves  into  their 
ragged  clothing. 

I  breathed  easier  after  the  last  cattle  landed, 
though  Forrest  contended  there  was  never  any 
danger.  At  least  a  serious  predicament  had  been 
blundered  into  and  handled,  as  was  shown  by 


252  THE   OUTLET 

subsequent  events.  At  noon  that  day,  rumblings 
of  thunder  were  heard  in  the  Black  Hills  country  to 
the  west,  a  warning  to  get  across  the  river  as  soon 
as  possible.  .So  the  situation  at  the  close  of  the  day 
was  not  a  very  encouraging  one  to  either  Forrest 
or  myself.  The  former  had  his  cattle  split  in  two 
bunches,  while  I  had  my  wagon  and  remuda  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river  from  my  herd.  But  the 
emergency  must  be  met.  I  sent  a  messenger  after 
our  wagon,  it  was  brought  back  near  the  river, 
and  a  hasty  supper  was  ordered.  Two  of  my  boys 
were  sent  up  to  the  dry  wash  to  recross  the  river 
and  drift  our  cattle  down  somewhere  near  the 
wagon-crossing,  thus  separating  the  herds  for  the 
night.  I  have  never  made  claim  to  being  over- 
bright,  but  that  evening  I  did  have  sense  or  intui 
tion  enough  to  take  our  saddle  horses  back  across 
the  river.  My  few  years  of  trail  life  had  taught  me 
the  importance  of  keeping  in  close  touch  with  our 
base  of  subsistence,  while  the  cattle  and  the  saddle 
stock  for  handling  them  should  under  no  circum 
stances  ever  be  separated.  Yet  under  existing  con 
ditions  it  was  impossible  to  recross  our  commissary, 
and  darkness  fell  upon  us  encamped  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Big  Cheyenne. 

The  night  passed  with  almost  constant  thunder 
and  lightning  in  the  west.  At  daybreak  heavy  dark 
clouds  hung  low  in  a  semicircle  all  around  the  north 
west,  threatening  falling  weather,  and  hasty  pre 
parations  were  made  to  move  down  the  stream  in 


WATER-BOUND  253 

search  of  a  crossing.  In  fording  the  river  to  break 
fast,  my  outfit  agreed  that  there  had  been  no  per 
ceptible  change  in  the  stage  of  water  overnight, 
which  quickened  our  desire  to  move  at  once.  The 
two  wagons  were  camped  close  together,  and  as 
usual  Forrest  was  indifferent  and  unconcerned  over 
the  threatening  weather  ;  he  had  left  his  remuda 
all  night  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  and  had  ac 
tually  turned  loose  the  rescued  contingent  of  cattle. 
I  did  not  mince  my  words  in  giving  Mr.  Forrest  my 
programme,  when  he  turned  on  me,  saying :  "  Quirk, 
you  have  more  trouble  than  a  married  woman. 
What  do  I  care  if  it  is  raining  in  London  or  the 
Black  Hills  either  ?  Let  her  rain  ;  our  sugar  and 
salt  are  both  covered,  and  we  can  lend  you  some  if 
yours  gets  wet.  But  you  go  right  ahead  and  follow 
up  Sponsilier ;  he  may  not  find  a  crossing  this  side 
of  the  Belle  Fourche.  I  can  take  spades  and  axes, 
and  in  two  hours'  time  cut  down  and  widen  that 
wagon-way  until  the  herds  can  cross.  I  would  n't 
be  as  fidgety  as  you  are  for  a  large  farm.  You 
ought  to  take  something  for  your  nerves." 

I  had  a  mental  picture  of  John  Quincy  Forrest 
doing  any  manual  labor  with  an  axe  or  spade.  Dur 
ing  our  short  acquaintance  that  had  been  put  to  the 
test  too  often  to  admit  of  question  ;  but  I  encouraged 
him  to  fly  right  at  the  bank,  assuring  him  that  in 
case  his  tools  became  heated,  there  was  always  water 
at  hand  to  cool  them.  The  wrangler  had  rustled  in 
the  wagon-mules  for  our  cook,  and  Forrest  was  still 


254  THE   OUTLET 

ridiculing  my  anxiety  to  move,  when  a  fusillade  of 
shots  was  heard  across  and  up  the  river.  Every 
man  at  both  wagons  was  on  his  feet  in  an  instant, 
not  one  of  us  even  dreaming  that  the  firing  of  the 
boys  on  herd  was  a  warning,  when  Quince's  horse- 
wrangler  galloped  up  and  announced  a  flood-wave 
coming  down  the  river.  A  rush  was  made  for  our 
horses,  and  we  struck  for  the  ford,  dashing  through 
the  shallows  and  up  the  farther  bank  without  draw 
ing  rein.  With  a  steady  rush,  a  body  of  water,  less 
than  a  mile  distant,  greeted  our  vision,  looking  like 
the  falls  of  some  river,  rolling  forward  like  an  im 
mense  cylinder.  We  sat  our  horses  in  bewilderment 
of  the  scene,  though  I  had  often  heard  Jim  Flood 
describe  the  sudden  rise  of  streams  which  had  moun 
tain  tributaries.  Forrest  and  his  men  crossed  be 
hind  us,  leaving  but  the  cooks  and  a  horse-wrangler 
on  the  farther  side.  It  was  easily  to  be  seen  that  all 
the  lowlands  along  the  river  would  be  inundated, 
so  I  sent  Levering  back  with  orders  to  hook  up  the 
team  and  strike  for  tall  timber.  Following  suit, 
Forrest  sent  two  men  to  rout  the  contingent  of 
cattle  out  of  a  bend  which  was  nearly  a  mile  below 
the  wagons.  The  wave,  apparently  ten  to  twelve 
feet  high,  moved  forward  slowly,  great  walls  lop 
ping  off  on  the  side  and  flooding  out  over  the  bot 
toms,  while  on  the  farther  shore  every  cranny  and 
arroyo  claimed  its  fill  from  the  avalanche  of  water. 
The  cattle  on  the  south  side  were  safe,  grazing  well 
back  on  the  uplands,  so  we  gave  the  oncoming  flood 


WATER-BOUND  255 

our  undivided  attention.  It  was  traveling  at  the  rate 
of  eight  to  ten  miles  an  hour,  not  at  a  steady  pace, 
but  sometimes  almost  halting  when  the  bottoms 
absorbed  its  volume,  only  to  catch  its  breath  and 
forge  ahead  again  in  angry  impetuosity.  As  the 
water  passed  us  on  the  bluff  bank,  several  waves 
broke  over  and  washed  around  our  horses'  feet, 
filling  the  wagon- way,  but  the  main  volume  rolled 
across  the  narrow  valley  on  the  opposite  side.  The 
wagons  had  pulled  out  to  higher  ground,  and  while 
every  eye  was  strained,  watching  for  the  rescued 
beeves  to  come  out  of  the  bend  below,  Vick  Wolf, 
who  happened  to  look  upstream,  uttered  a  single 
shout  of  warning  and  dashed  away.  Turning  in  our 
saddles,  we  saw  within  five  hundred  feet  of  us  a 
second  wave  about  half  the  height  of  the  first  one. 
Rowels  and  quirts  were  plied  with  energy  and  will, 
as  we  tore  down  the  river-bank,  making  a  gradual 
circle  until  the  second  bottoms  were  reached,  out 
riding  the  flood  by  a  close  margin. 

The  situation  was  anything  but  encouraging,  as 
days  might  elapse  before  the  water  would  fall.  But 
our  hopes  revived  as  we  saw  the  contingent  of  about 
six  hundred  beeves  stampede  out  of  a  bend  below 
and  across  the  river,  followed  by  two  men  who  were 
energetically  burning  powder  and  flaunting  slickers 
in  their  rear.  Within  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  a  half- 
mile  of  roaring,  raging  torrent,  filled  with  floating 
driftwood,  separated  us  from  the  wagons  which 
contained  the  staples  of  life.  But  in  the  midst  of 


256  THE   OUTLET 

the  travail  of  mountain  and  plain,  the  dry  humor 
of  the  men  was  irrepressible,  one  of  Forrest's  own 
boys  asking  him  if  he  felt  any  uneasiness  now 
about  his  salt  and  sugar. 

"  Oh,  this  is  nothing,*'  replied  Quince,  with  a 
contemptuous  wave  of  his  hand.  "  These  freshets 
are  liable  to  happen  at  any  time ;  rise  in  an  hour 
and  fall  in  half  a  day.  Look  there  how  it  is  clear 
ing  off  in  the  west ;  the  river  will  be  fordable  this 
evening  or  in  the  morning  at  -the  furthest.  As 
long  as  everything  is  safe,  what  do  we  care  ?  If  it 
comes  to  a  pinch,  we  have  plenty  of  stray  beef ; 
berries  are  ripe,  and  I  reckon  if  we  cast  around  we 
might  find  some  wild  onions.  I  have  lived  a  whole 
month  at  a  time  on  nothing  but  land-terrapin  ;  they 
make  larruping  fine  eating  when  you  are  cut  off 
from  camp  this  way.  Blankets  ?  Never  use  them ; 
sleep  on  your  belly  and  cover  with  your  back,  and 
get  up  with  the  birds  in  the  morning.  These  Lovell 
outfits  are  getting  so  tony  that  by  another  year  or 
two  they  '11  insist  on  bathtubs,  Florida  water,  and 
towels  with  every  wagon.  I  like  to  get  down  to 
straight  beans  for  a  few  days  every  once  in  a  while  ; 
it  has  a  tendency  to  cure  a  man  with  a  whining 
disposition.  The  only  thing  that 's  worrying  me, 
if  we  get  cut  off,  is  the  laugh  that  Sponsilier  will 
have  on  us." 

We  all  knew  Forrest  was  bluffing.  The  fact  that 
we  were  water-bound  was  too  apparent  to  admit  of 
question,  and  since  the  elements  were  beyond  our 


T1  T  I  T^         T71  T 


WATER-BOUND  257 

control,  there  was  no  telling  when  relief  would 
come.  Until  the  weather  moderated  in  the  hills  to 
the  west,  there  was  no  hope  of  crossing  the  river  ; 
but  men  grew  hungry  and  nights  were  chilly,  and 
bluster  and  bravado  brought  neither  food  nor 
warmth.  A  third  wave  was  noticed  within  an  liour, 
raising  the  water-gauge  over  a  foot.  The  South 
Fork  of  the  Big  Cheyenne  almost  encircled  the 
entire  Black  Hills  country,  and  with  a  hundred 
mountain  affluents  emptying  in  their  tribute,  the 
waters  commanded  and  we  obeyed.  Ordering  my 
men  to  kill  a  beef,  I  rode  down  the  river  in  the  hope 
of  finding  Sponsilier  on  our  side,  and  about  noon 
sighted  his  camp  and  cattle  on  the  opposite  bank. 
A  group  of  men  were  dallying  along  the  shore, 
but  being  out  of  hearing,  I  turned  back  without 
exposing  myself. 

On  my  return  a  general  camp  had  been  estab 
lished  at  the  nearest  wood,  and  a  stray  killed. 
Stakes  were  driven  to  mark  the  rise  or  fall  of  the 
water,  and  we  settled  down  like  prisoners,  waiting 
for  an  expected  reprieve.  Towards  evening  a  fire 
was  built  up  and  the  two  sides  of  ribs  were  spitted 
over  it,  our  only  chance  for  supper.  Night  fell 
with  no  perceptible  change  in  the  situation,  the 
weather  remaining  dry  and  clear.  Forrest's  outfit 
had  been  furnished  horses  from  my  remuda  for 
guard  duty^  and  about  midnight,  wrapping  our 
selves  in  slickers,  we  lay  down  in  a  circle  with  our 
feet  to  the  fire  like  cave-dwellers.  The  camp-fire 


258  THE   OUTLET 

was  kept  up  all  night  by  the  returning  guards,  even 
until  the  morning  hours,  when  we  woke  up  shiver 
ing  at  dawn  and  hurried  away  to  note  the  stage  of 
the  water.  A  four-foot  fall  had  taken  place  during 
the  night,  another  foot  was  added  within  an  hour 
after  sun-up,  brightening  our  hopes,  when  a  tidal 
wave  swept  down  the  valley,  easily  establishing 
a  new  high-water  mark.  Then  we  breakfasted  on 
broiled  beefsteak,  and  fell  back  into  the  hills  in 
search  of  the  huckleberry,  which  abounded  in  that 
vicinity. 

A  second  day  and  night  passed,  with  the  water 
gradually  falling.  The  third  morning  a  few  of  the 
best  swimmers,  tiring  of  the  diet  of  beef  and  ber 
ries,  took  advantage  of  the  current  and  swam  to 
the  other  shore.  On  returning  several  hours  later, 
they  brought  back  word  that  Sponsilier  had  been 
up  to  the  wagons  the  afternoon  before  and  reported 
an  easy  crossing  about  five  miles  below.  By  noon 
the  channel  had  narrowed  to  one  hundred  yards  of 
swimming  water,  and  plunging  into  it  on  our  horses, 
we  dined  at  the  wagons  and  did  justice  to  the 
spread.  Both  outfits  were  anxious  to  move,  and 
once  dinner  was  over,  the  commissaries  were  started 
down  the  river,  while  we  turned  up  it,  looking  for 
a  chance  to  swim  back  to  the  cattle.  Forrest  had 
secured  a  fresh  mount  of  horses,  and  some  distance 
above  the  dry  wash  we  again  took  to  the  water, 
landing  on  the  opposite  side  between  a  quarter  and 
half  mile  below.  Little  time  was  lost  in  starting 


WATER-BOUND  259 

the  herds,  mine  in  the  lead,  while  the  wagons  got 
away  well  in  advance,  accompanied  by  Forrest's 
remuda  and  the  isolated  contingent  of  cattle. 

Sponsilier  was  expecting  us,  and  on  the  appear 
ance  of  our  wagons,  moved  out  to  a  new  camp  and 
gave  us  a  clear  crossing.  A  number  of  the  boys 
came  down  to  the  river  with  him,  and  several  of 
them  swam  it,  meeting  the  cattle  a  mile  above  and 
piloting  us  into  the  ford.  They  had  assured  me 
that  there  might  be  seventy-five  yards  of  swimming 
water,  with  a  gradual  entrance  to  the  channel  and 
a  half-mile  of  solid  footing  at  the  outcome.  The 
description  of  the  crossing  suited  me,  and  putting 
our  remuda  in  the  lead,  we  struck  the  muddy  torrent 
and  crossed  it  without  a  halt,  the  chain  of  swim 
ming  cattle  never  breaking  for  a  single  moment. 
Forrest  followed  in  our  wake,  the  one  herd  piloting 
the  other,  and  within  an  hour  after  our  arrival  at 
the  lower  ford,  the  drag-end  of  the  "  Drooping  T  " 
herd  kicked  up  their  heels  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
Big  Cheyenne.  Meanwhile  Sponsilier  had  been 
quietly  sitting  his  horse  below  the  main  landing, 
his  hat  pulled  down  over  his  eye,  nursing  the  humor 
of  the  situation.  As  Forrest  came  up  out  of  the 
water  with  the  rear  guard  of  his  cattle,  the  oppor 
tunity  was  too  good  to  be  overlooked. 

"  Hello,  Quince,"  said  Dave  ;  "  how  goes  it,  old 
sport  ?  Do  you  keep  stout  ?  I  was  up  at  your  wagon 
yesterday  to  ask  you  all  down  to  supper.  Yes,  we 
had  huckleberry  pie  and  venison  galore,  but  your 


260  THE   OUTLET 

men  told  me  that  you  had  quit  eating  with  the 
wagon.  I  was  pained  to  hear  that  you  and  Tom 
have  both  gone  plum  hog-wild,  drinking  out  of  cow- 
tracks  and  living  on  wild  garlic  and  land-terrapin, 
just  like  Injuns.  Honest,  boys,  I  hate  to  see  good 
men  go  wrong  that  way." 


CHAPTER  XVIII 
THE  LITTLE  MISSOURI 

A  WEEK  later  we  crossed  the  Belle  Fourche,  some 
times  called  the  North  Fork  of  the  Big  Cheyenne. 
Like  its  twin  sister  on  the  south,  it  was  a  mountain 
river,  having  numerous  affluents  putting  in  from  the 
Black  Hills,  which  it  encircled  on  the  north  and 
west.  Between  these  two  branches  of  the  mother 
stream  were  numerous  tributaries,  establishing  it 
as  the  best  watered  country  encountered  in  our 
long  overland  cruise.  Besides  the  splendid  water 
courses  which  marked  that  section,  numerous  wagon- 
trails,  leading  into  the  hills,  were  peopled  witli 
freighters.  Long  ox  trains,  moving  at  a  snail's 
pace,  crept  over  hill  and  plain,  the  common  carrier 
between  the  mines  and  the  outside  world.  The 
fascination  of  the  primal  land  was  there  ;  the  buttes 
stood  like  sentinels,  guarding  a  king's  domain, 
while  the  palisaded  cliffs  frowned  down,  as  if  erected 
by  the  hand  Omnipotent  to  mark  the  boundary  of 
nations. 

Our  route,  after  skirting  the  Black  Hills,  followed 
up  the  Belle  Fourche  a  few  days,  and  early  in 
August  we  crossed  over  to  the  Little  Missouri  River. 
The  divide  between  the  Belle  Fourche  and  the 


262  THE   OUTLET 

latter  stream  was  a  narrow  one,  requiring  little  time 
to  graze  across  it,  and  intercepting  the  Little  Mis 
souri  somewhere  in  Montana.  The  course  of  that 
river  was  almost  due  north,  and  crossing  and  re- 
crossing  it  frequently,  we  kept  constantly  in  touch 
with  it  on  our  last  northward  tack.  The  river  led 
through  sections  of  country  now  known  as  the  Bad 
Lands,  but  we  found  an  abundance  of  grass  and 
an  easy  passage.  Sponsilier  held  the  lead  all  the 
way  down  the  river,  though  I  did  most  of  the  ad 
vance  scouting,  sometimes  being  as  much  as  fifty 
miles  in  front  of  the  herds.  Near  the  last  of  the 
month  we  sighted  Sentinel  Butte  and  the  smoke  of 
railroad  trains,  and  a  few  days  later  all  three  of  us 
foremen  rode  into  Little  Missouri  Station  of  the 
Northern  Pacific  Railway.  Our  arrival  was  ex 
pected  by  one  man  at  least ;  for  as  we  approached 
the  straggling  village,  our  employer  was  recognized 
at  a  distance,  waving  his  hat,  and  a  minute  later 
all  three  of  us  were  shaking  hands  with  Don  Lovell. 
Mutual  inquiries  followed,  and  when  we  reported 
the  cattle  fine  as  silk,  having  never  known  a  hungry 
or  thirsty  hour  after  leaving  the  North  Platte,  the 
old  man  brightened  and  led  the  way  to  a  well- 
known  saloon. 

"  How  did  I  fare  at  Omaha  ?  "  said  old  man  Don, 
repeating  Forrest's  query.  "  Well,  at  first  it  was 
a  question  if  I  would  be  hung  or  shot,  but  we  came 
out  with  colors  flying.  The  United  States  marshal 
who  attempted  to  take  possession  of  the  cattle  on 


THE   LITTLE   MISSOURI  263 

the  North  Platte  went  back  on  the  same  train  with 
us.  He  was  feeling  sore  over  his  defeat,  but  Sutton 
cultivated  his  acquaintance,  and  in  mollifying  that 
official,  showed  him  how  easily  failure  could  be 
palmed  off  as  a  victory.  In  fact,  I  think  Mike  over- 
colored  the  story  at  my  expense.  He  and  the  mar 
shal  gave  it  to  the  papers,  and  the  next  morning 
it  appeared  in  the  form  of  a  sensational  article. 
According  to  the  report,  a  certain  popular  federal 
officer  had  gone  out  to  Ogalalla  to  take  possession 
of  two  herds  of  cattle  intended  for  government  pur 
poses  ;  he  had  met  with  resistance  by  a  lot  of  Texas 
roughs,  who  fatally  shot  one  of  his  deputies,  wound 
ing  several  others,  and  killing  a  numfier  of  horses 
during  the  assault ;  but  the  intrepid  officer  had 
added  to  his  laurels  by  arresting  the  owner  of  the 
cattle  and  leader  of  the  resisting  mob,  and  had 
brought  him  back  to  face  the  charge  of  contempt 
in  resisting  service.  The  papers  freely  predicted 
that  I  would  get  the  maximum  fine,  and  one  even 
went  so  far  as  to  suggest  that  imprisonment  might 
teach  certain  arrogant  cattle  kings  a  salutary  lesson. 
But  when  the  hearing  came  up,  Sutton  placed  Jim 
Reed  and  me  in  the  witness-box,  taking  the  stand 
later  himself,  and  we  showed  that  federal  court  that 
it  had  been  buncoed  out  of  an  order  of  injunctive 
relief,  in  favor  of  the  biggest  set  of  ringsters 
that  ever  missed  stretching  hemp.  The  result  was, 
I  walked  out  of  that  federal  court  scot  free.  And 
Judge  Dundy,  when  he  realized  the  injustice  that 


264  THE   OUTLET 

he  had  inflicted,  made  all  three  of  us  take  dinner 
with  him,  fully  explaining  the  pressure  which  had 
been  brought  to  bear  at  the  time  the  order  of  relief 
was  issued.  Oh,  that  old  judge  was  all  right.  I 
only  hope  we  '11  have  as  square  a  man  as  Judge 
Dundy  at  the  final  hearing  at  Fort  Buford.  Do  you 
see  that  sign  over  there,  where  it  says  Barley  Water 
and  Bad  Cigars?  Well,  put  your  horses  in  some 
corral  and  meet  me  there." 

There  was  a  great  deal  of  news  to  review.  Lovell 
had  returned  to  Ogalalla ;  the  body  of  Tolleston 
had  been  recovered  and  given  decent  burial ;  deliv 
ery  day  of  the  three  Indian  herds  was  at  hand, 
bringing  that  branch  of  the  season's  drive  to  a  close. 
But  the  main  thing  which  absorbed  our  employer 
was  the  quarantine  that  the  upper  Yellowstone 
country  proposed  enforcing  against  through  Texas 
cattle.  He  assured  us  that  had  we  gone  by  way  of 
Wyoming  and  down  the  Powder  Kiver,  the  chances 
were  that  the  local  authorities  would  have  placed 
us  under  quarantine  until  after  the  first  frost.  He 
assured  us  that  the  year  before,  Texas  fever  had 
played  sad  havoc  among  the  native  and  wintered 
Southern  cattle,  and  that  Miles  City  and  Glendive, 
live-stock  centres  on  the  Yellowstone,  were  up  in 
arms  in  favor  of  a  rigid  quarantine  against  all 
through  cattle.  If  this  proved  true,  it  was  certainly 
an  ill  wind  to  drovers  on  the  Powder  River  route ; 
yet  I  failed  to  see  where  we  were  benefited  until 
my  employer  got  down  to  details. 


THE   LITTLE   MISSOURI  265 

"  That 's  so,"  said  he ;  "I  forgot  to  tell  you  boys 
that  when  Reed  and  I  went  back  to  Ogalalla,  we 
found  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.  buying  beeves.  Yes, 
they  had  bought  a  remuda  of  horses,  rigged  up  two 
wagons,  and  hired  men  to  take  possession  of  our 
4  Open  A '  and  '  Drooping  T  '  herds.  But  meeting 
with  disappointment  and  having  the  outfit  on  their 
hands,  they  concluded  to  buy  cattle  and  go  ahead 
and  make  the  delivery  at  Buford.  They  simply  had 
to  do  it  or  admit  that  I  had  called  their  hands.  But 
Reed  and  I  raised  such  a  howl  around  that  town  that 
we  posted  every  man  with  beeves  for  sale  until  the 
buyers  had  to  pony  up  the  cash  for  every  hoof  they 
bought.  We  even  hunted  up  young  Murnane,  the 
seller  of  the  herd  that  Jim  Reed  ran  the  attachment 
on  ;  and  before  old  Jim  and  I  got  through  with  him, 
we  had  his  promise  not  to  move  out  of  Keith  County 
until  the  last  dollar  was  in  hand.  The  buyers 
seemed  to  command  all  kinds  of  money,  but  where 
they  expect  to  make  anything,  even  if  they  do  de 
liver,  beats  me,  as  Reed  and  I  have  got  a  good  wad 
of  their  money.  Since  leaving  there,  I  have  had 
word  that  they  settled  with  Murnane,  putting  a  new 
outfit  with  the  cattle,  and  that  they  have  ten  thou 
sand  beef  steers  on  the  way  to  Fort  Buford  this  very 
minute.  They  are  coming  through  on  the  North 
Platte  and  Powder  River  route,  and  if  quarantine 
can  be  enforced  against  them  until  frost  falls,  it  will 
give  us  a  clear  field  at  Buford  on  the  day  of  delivery. 
Now  it  stands  us  in  hand  to  see  that  those  herds 


266  THE   OUTLET 

are  isolated  until  after  the   15th  day  of   Septem 
ber." 

The  atmosphere  cleared  instantly.  I  was  well 
aware  of  the  ravages  of  splenic  fever ;  but  two  de 
cades  ago  every  drover  from  Texas  denied  the  possi 
bility  of  a  through  animal  in  perfect  health  giving 
a  disease  to  wintered  Southerners  or  domestic  cattle, 
also  robust  and  healthy.  Time  has  demonstrated 
the  truth,  yet  the  manner  in  which  the  germ  is 
transmitted  between  healthy  animals  remains  a 
mystery  to  this  day,  although  there  has  been  no 
lack  of  theories  advanced.  Even  the  theorists  dif 
fered  as  to  the  manner  of  germ  transmission,  the 
sporule,  tick,  and  ship  fever  being  the  leading 
theories,  and  each  having  its  advocates.  The  latter 
was  entitled  to  some  consideration,  for  if  bad  usage 
and  the  lack  of  necessary  rest,  food,  and  water  will 
produce  fever  aboard  emigrant  steamships,  the  same 
privations  might  do  it  among  animals.  The  over 
driving  of  trail  cattle  was  frequently  unavoidable, 
dry  drives  and  the  lack  of  grass  on  arid  wastes  be 
ing  of  common  occurrence.  However,  the  presence 
of  fever  among  through  cattle  was  never  noticeable 
to  the  practical  man,  and  if  it  existed,  it  must  have 
been  very  mild  in  form  compared  to  its  virulent 
nature  among  natives.  Time  has  demonstrated 
that  it  is  necessary  for  the  domestic  animals  to 
walk  over  and  occupy  the  same  ground  to  contract 
the  disease,  though  they  may  drink  from  the  same 
trough  or  stream  of  water,  or  inhale  each  other's 


THE   LITTLE   MISSOURI  267 

breath  in  play  across  a  wire  fence,  without  fear  of 
contagion.  A  peculiar  feature  of  Texas  fever  was 
that  the  very  cattle  which  would  impart  it  on  their 
arrival,  after  wintering  in  the  North  would  contract 
it  and  die  the  same  as  natives.  The  isolation  of 
herds  on  a  good  range  for  a  period  of  sixty  days, 
or  the  falling  of  frost,  was  recognized  as  the  only 
preventive  against  transmitting  the  germ.  Govern 
ment  rewards  and  experiments  have  never  demon 
strated  a  theory  that  practical  experience  does  not 
dispute. 

The  only  time  on  this  drive  that  our  attention 
had  been  called  to  the  fever  alarm  was  on  crossing 
the  wagon  trail  running  from  Pierre  on  the  Missouri 
River  to  the  Black  Hills.  I  was  in  the  lead  when 
a  large  bull  train  was  sighted  in  our  front,  and 
shortly  afterward  the  wagon-boss  met  me  and  ear 
nestly  begged  that  I  allow  his  outfit  to  pass  before 
we  crossed  the  wagon-road.  I  knew  the  usual  form 
of  ridicule  of  a  herd  foreman,  but  the  boss  bull- 
whacker  must  have  anticipated  my  reply,  for  he 
informed  me  that  the  summer  before  he  had  lost 
ninety  head  out  of  two  hundred  yoke  of  oxen.  The 
wagon-master's  appeal  was  fortified  by  a  sincerity 
which  won  his  request,  and  I  held  up  my  cattle  and 
allowed  his  train  to  pass  in  advance.  Sponsilier's 
herd  was  out  of  sight  in  my  rear,  while  Forrest  was 
several  miles  to  my  left,  and  slightly  behind  me.  The 
wagon-boss  rode  across  and  made  a  similar  request 
of  Forrest,  but  that  worthy  refused  to  recognize  the 


268  THE   OUTLET 

right  of  way  to  a  bull  train  at  the  expense  of  a  trail 
herd  of  government  beeves.  Ungentlemanly  re 
marks  are  said  to  have  passed  between  them,  when 
the  boss  bull-whacker  threw  down  the  gauntlet  and 
galloped  back  to  his  train.  Forrest  pushed  on,  with 
ample  time  to  have  occupied  the  road  in  crossing, 
thus  holding  up  the  wagon  train.  My  herd  fell  to 
grazing,  and  Sponsilier  rode  tip  to  inquire  the 
cause  of  my  halting.  I  explained  the  request  of 
the  wagon-master,  his  loss  the  year  before  and  pre 
sent  fear  of  fever,  and  called  attention  to  the  clash 
which  was  imminent  between  the  long  freight  outfit 
in  our  front  and  Forrest's  herd  to  the  left,  both 
anxious  for  the  right  of  way.  A  number  of  us  rode 
forward  in  clear  view  of  the  impending  meeting. 
It  was  evident  that  Forrest  would  be  the  first  to 
reach  the  freight  road,  and  would  naturally  hold 
it  while  his  cattle  were  crossing  it.  But  when  this 
also  became  apparent  to  the  bull  train,  the  lead 
teams  drove  out  of  the  road  and  halted,  the  rear 
wagons  passing  on  ahead,  the  two  outfits  being 
fully  a  mile  apart.  There  were  about  twenty  teams 
of  ten  yoke  each,  and  when  the  first  five  or  six 
halted,  they  unearthed  old  needle  rifles  and  opened 
fire  across  Forrest's  front.  Once  the  range  was 
found,  those  long-range  buffalo  guns  threw  up  the 
dust  in  handfuls  in  the  lead  of  the  herd,  and 
Forrest  turned  his  cattle  back,  while  the  bull  train 
held  its  way,  undisputed.  It  was  immaterial  to 
Forrest  who  occupied  the  road  first,  and  with  the 


THE   LITTLE   MISSOURI  269 

jeers  of  the  freighters  mingled  the  laughter  of 
Sponsilier  and  my  outfit,  as  John  Quincy  Forrest 
reluctantly  turned  back. 

This  incident  served  as  a  safety-valve,  and  when 
ever  Forrest  forged  to  the  lead  in  coming  down  the 
Little  Missouri,  all  that  was  necessary  to  check 
him  was  to  inquire  casually  which  held  the  right  of 
way,  a  trail  herd  or  a  bull  train. 

Throughout  the  North,  Texas  fever  was  generally 
accepted  as  a  fact,  and  any  one  who  had  ever  come 
in  contact  with  it  once,  dreaded  it  ever  afterward. 
So  when  the  devil  was  sick  the  devil  a  monk  would 
be  ;  and  if  there  was  any  advantage  in  taking  the 
contrary  view  to  the  one  entertained  by  all  drovers, 
so  long  as  our  herds  were  free,  we  were  not  like 
men  who  could  not  experience  a  change  of  opinion, 
if  in  doing  so  the  wind  was  tempered  to  us.  Also 
in  this  instance  we  were  fighting  an  avowed  enemy, 
and  all  is  fair  in  love  and  war.  And  amid  the 
fumes  of  bad  cigars,  Sponsilier  drew  out  the  plan 
of  campaign. 

"  Now,  let 's  see,"  said  old  man  Don,  "  to  morrow 
will  be  the  25th  day  of  August.  I  've  got  to  be  at 
the  Crow  Agency  a  few  days  before  the  10th  of 
next  month,  as  you  know  we  have  a  delivery  there 
on  that  date.  Flood  will  have  to  attend  to  matters 
at  Rosebud  on  the  1st,  and  then  hurry  on  west  and 
be  present  at  Paul's  delivery  at  Fort  Washakie. 
So  you  see  I  '11  have  to  depend  on  two  of  you  boys 
going  up  to  Glendive  and  Miles  and  seeing  that 


270  THE   OUTLET 

those  cow-towns  take  the  proper  view  of  this  quar 
antine  matter.  After  dinner  you  '11  fall  back  and 
bring  up  your  herds,  and  after  crossing  the  rail 
road  here,  the  outfits  will  graze  over  to  Buford. 
We  '11  leave  four  of  our  best  saddle  horses  here  in 
a  pasture,  so  as  to  be  independent  on  our  return. 
Since  things  have  changed  so,  the  chances  are  that 
I  '11  bring  Bob  Quirk  back  with  me,  as  I  've  written 
Flood  to  help  The  Rebel  sell  his  remuda  and  take 
the  outfit  and  go  home.  Now  you  boys  decide 
among  yourselves  which  two  of  you  will  go  up  the 
Yellowstone  and  promote  the  enforcement  of  the 
quarantine  laws.  Don't  get  the  impression  that 
you  can't  do  this,  because  an  all-round  cowman  can 
do  anything  where  his  interests  are  at  stake.  I  '11 
think  the  programme  out  a  little  more  clearly  by 
the  time  you  bring  up  the  cattle." 

The  herds  were  not  over  fifteen  miles  back  up 
the  river  when  we  left  them  in  the  morning.  After 
honoring  the  village  of  Little  Missouri  with  our 
presence  for  several  hours,  we  saddled  up  and 
started  to  meet  the  cattle.  There  was  no  doubt  in 
my  mind  but  that  Sponsilier  would  be  one  of  the 
two  to  go  on  the  proposed  errand  of  diplomacy,  as 
his  years,  experience,  and  good  solid  sense  entitled 
him  to  outrank  either  Forrest  or  myself.  I  knew 
that  Quince  would  want  to  go,  if  for  no  other  rea 
son  than  to  get  out  of  working  the  few  days  that  yet 
remained  of  the  drive.  All  three  of  us  talked  the 
matter  of  quarantine  freely  as  we  rode  along,  yet 


THE   LITTLE   MISSOURI  271 

no  one  ventured  any  proposition  looking  to  an  agree 
ment  as  to  who  should  go  on  the  diplomatic  mission. 
I  was  the  youngest  and  naturally  took  refuge 
behind  my  years,  yet  perfectly  conscious  that,  in 
spite  of  the  indifferent  and  nonchalant  attitude 
assumed,  all  three  of  us  foremen  were  equally  anx 
ious  for  the  chance.  Matters  remained  undecided  ; 
but  the  next  day  at  dinner,  Lovell  having  met  us 
before  reaching  the  railroad,  the  question  arose 
who  should  go  up  to  Miles  City.  Dave  and  Quince 
were  also  eating  at  my  wagon,  and  when  our  em 
ployer  forced  an  answer,  Sponsilier  innocently 
replied  that  he  supposed  that  we  were  all  willing  to 
leave  it  to  him.  Forrest  immediately  approved  of 
Dave's  suggestion.  I  gave  my  assent,  and  old  man 
Don  did  n't  qualify,  hedge,  or  mince  his  words  in 
appointing  the  committees  to  represent  the  firm  of 
Lovell. 

"  Jealous  of  each  other,  ain't  you  ?  Very  well ; 
I  want  these  herds  grazed  across  to  Buford  at  the 
rate  of  four  miles  a  day.  Nothing  but  a  Mexican 
pastor,  or  a  white  man  as  lazy  as  Quince  Forrest 
can  fill  the  bill.  You  're  listening,  are  you,  Quince  ? 
Well,  after  the  sun  sets  to-night,  you  're  in  charge 
of  ten  thousand  beeves  from  here  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Yellowstone.  I  want  to  put  every  ounce  pos 
sible  on  those  steers  for  the  next  twenty  days.  We 
may  have  to  make  a  comparison  of  cattle,  and  if 
we  should,  I  want  ours  to  lay  over  the  opposition 
like  a  double  eagle  does  over  a  lead  dime.  We 


272  THE   OUTLET 

may  run  up  against  a  lot  of  red  tape  at  Fort 
Buford,  but  if  there  is  a  lick  of  cow-sense  among 
the  government  representatives,  we  want  our  beeves 
to  speak  for  themselves.  Fat  animals  do  their  own 
talking.  You  remember  when  every  one  was  admir 
ing  the  fine  horse,  the  blind  man  said,  '  Is  n't  he 
fat  ? '  Now,  Dave,  you  and  Tom  appoint  your 
segundos,  and  we  '11  all  catch  the  10.20  train  west 
to-night." 

I  dared  to  risk  one  eye  on  Forrest.  Inwardly 
I  was  chuckling,  but  Quince  was  mincing  along 
with  his  dinner,  showing  that  languid  indifference 
which  is  inborn  to  the  Texan.  Lovell  continued  to 
monopolize  the  conversation,  blowing  on  the  cattle 
and  ribbing  up  Forrest  to  see  that  the  beeves 
thenceforth  should  never  know  tire,  hunger,  or 
thirst.  The  commissaries  had  run  low  ;  Sponsilier's 
cook  had  been  borrowing  beans  from  us  for  a  week 
past,  while  Parent  point-blank  refused  to  share  any 
more  of  our  bacon.  The  latter  was  recognized  as  a 
staple  in  trail-work,  and  it  mattered  not  how  invit 
ing  the  beef  or  venison  might  be,  we  always  fell 
back  to  bacon  with  avidity.  When  it  came  time  to 
move  out  on  the  evening  lap,  Forrest's  herd  took 
the  lead,  the  other  two  falling  in  behind,  the 
wagons  pulling  out  for  town  in  advance  of  every 
thing.  Jack  Splann  had  always  acted  as  segundo 
in  my  absence,  and  as  he  had  overheard  Lovell's 
orders  to  Forrest,  there  was  nothing  further  for  me 
to  add,  and  Splann  took  charge  of  my  "  Open  A's." 


THE  LITTLE  MISSOURI  273 

When  changing  mounts  at  noon,  I  caught  out  two 
of  my  best  saddlers  and  tied  one  behind  the  chuck- 
wagon,  to  be  left  with  a  liveryman  in  town.  Leav 
ing  old  man  Don  with  the  cattle,  all  three  of  us 
foremen  went  into  the  village  in  order  to  secure 
a  few  staple  supplies  with  which  to  complete  the 
journey. 

It  can  be  taken  for  granted  that  Sponsilier  and 
myself  were  feeling  quite  gala.  The  former  took 
occasion,  as  we  rode  along,  to  throw  several  bou 
quets  at  Forrest  over  his  preferment,  when  the  lat 
ter  turned  on  us,  saying :  "  You  fellows  think 
you  're  d — d  smart,  now,  don't  you  ?  You  're  both 
purty  good  talkers,  but  neither  one  of  you  can 
show  me  where  the  rainbow  comes  in  in  rotting 
along  with  these  measly  cattle.  It 's  enough  to 
make  a  man  kick  his  own  dog.  But  I  can  see 
where  the  old  man  was  perfectly  right  in  sending 
you  two  up  to  Miles  City.  When  you  fellows  work 
your  rabbit's  foot,  it  will  be  Katy  with  those  Wash 
ington  City  schemers  —  more  than  likely  they  '11 
not  draw  cards  when  they  see  that  you  are  in  the 
game.  When  it  comes  to  the  real  sabe,  you  fellows 
shine  like  a  tree  full  of  owls.  Honest,  it  has  always 
been  a  wonder  to  me  that  Grant  did  n't  send  for 
both  of  you  when  he  was  making  up  his  cabinet." 

The  herds  crossed  the  railroad  about  a  mile  west 
of  Little  Missouri  Station.  The  wagons  secured 
the  needed  supplies,  and  pulled  out  down  the  river, 
leaving  Sponsilier  and  myself  foot-loose  and  free. 


274  THE   OUTLET 

Lovell  was  riding  a  livery  horse,  and  as  neither  of 
us  expected  him  to  return  until  it  was  too  dark  to 
see  the  cattle,  we  amused  ourselves  by  looking  over 
the  town.  There  seemed  to  be  a  great  deal  of 
freighting  to  outlying  points,  numerous  ox  and 
mule  trains  coming  in  and  also  leaving  for  their 
destinations.  Our  employer  came  in  about  dusk, 
and  at  once  went  to  the  depot,  as  he  was  expecting 
a  message.  One  had  arrived  during  his  absence, 
and  after  reading  it,  he  came  over  to  Dave  and  me, 
saying : 

"  It 's  from  Mike  Button.  I  authorized  him  to 
secure  the  services  of  the  best  lawyer  in  the  West, 
and  he  has  just  wired  me  that  he  has  retained  Sen 
ator  Aspgrain  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa.  They  will  re 
port  at  Fort  Buford  on  September  the  5th  and  will 
take  care  of  any  legal  complications  which  may 
arise.  I  don't  know  who  this  senator  is,  but  Mike 
has  orders  not  to  spare  any  expense  as  long  as  we 
have  the  other  fellow's  money  to  fight  with.  Well, 
if  the  Iowa  lawyers  are  as  good  stuff  as  the  Iowa 
troops  were  down  in  Dixie,  that 's  all  I  ask.  Now, 
we  '11  get  our  suppers  and  then  sack  our  saddles  — 
why,  sure,  you  '11  need  them ;  every  good  cowman 
takes  his  saddle  wherever  he  goes,  though  he  may 
not  have  clothes  enough  with  him  to  dust  a  fiddle." 


CHAPTER  XIX 
IN  QUARANTINE 

WE  reached  Miles  City  shortly  after  midnight. 
It  was  the  recognized  cattle  centre  of  Montana  at 
that  time,  but  devoid  of  the  high-lights  which  were 
a  feature  of  the  trail  towns.  The  village  boasted  the 
usual  number  of  saloons  and  dance-houses,  and 
likewise  an  ordinance  compelling  such  resorts  to 
close  on  the  stroke  of  twelve.  Lovell  had  been 
there  before,  and  led  the  way  to  a  well-known  hos 
telry.  The  house  was  crowded,  and  the  best  the 
night  clerk  could  do  was  to  give  us  a  room  with  two 
beds.  This  was  perfectly  satisfactory,  as  it  was  a 
large  apartment  and  fronted  out  on  an  open  gallery. 
Old  man  Don  suggested  we  take  the  mattresses  out 
side,  but  as  this  was  my  first  chance  to  sleep  in  a 
bed  since  leaving  the  ranch  in  March,  I  wanted  all 
the  comforts  that  were  due  me.  Sponsilier  likewise 
favored  the  idea  of  sleeping  inside,  and  our  em 
ployer  yielded,  taking  the  single  bed  on  retiring. 
The  night  was  warm,  and  after  thrashing  around  for 
nearly  an  hour,  supposing  that  Dave  and  I  were 
asleep,  old  man  Don  arose  and  quietly  dragged  his 
mattress  outside.  Our  bed  was  soft  and  downy,  but 
in  spite  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour  and  having  been 


276  THE   OUTLET 

in  our  saddles  at  dawn,  we  tossed  about,  unable  to 
sleep.  After  agreeing  that  it  was  the  mattress,  we 
took  the  covering  and  pillows  and  lay  down  on  the 
floor,  falling  into  a  deep  slumber  almost  instantly. 
"  Well,  would  n't  that  jar  your  eccentric,"  said  Dave 
to  me  the  next  morning,  speaking  of  our  inability 
to  sleep  in  a  bed.  "  I  slept  in  one  in  Ogalalla,  and 
I  was  n't  over-full  either." 

Lovell  remained  with  us  all  the  next  day.  He 
was  well  known  in  Miles  City,  having  in  other  years 
sold  cattle  to  resident  cowmen.  The  day  was  spent 
in  hunting  up  former  acquaintances,  getting  the  lay 
of  the  land,  and  feeling  the  public  pulse  on  the 
matter  of  quarantine  on  Southern  cattle.  The  out 
look  was  to  our  liking,  as  heavy  losses  had  been 
sustained  from  fever  the  year  before,  and  steps  had 
already  been  taken  to  isolate  all  through  animals 
until  frost  fell.  Report  was  abroad  that  there  were 
already  within  the  jurisdiction  of  Montana  over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  through  Texas  cattle, 
with  a  possibility  of  one  third  that  number  more 
being  added  before  the  close  of  the  season.  That 
territory  had  established  a  quarantine  camp  on  the 
Wyoming  line,  forcing  all  Texas  stock  to  follow 
down  the  eastern  side  of  the  Powder  River.  Fully 
one  hundred  miles  on  the  north,  a  dead-line  was 
drawn  from  Powderville  on  that  watercourse  east 
ward  to  a  spur  of  the  Powder  River  Mountains,  thus 
setting  aside  a  quarantine  ground  ample  to  accom 
modate  half  a  million  cattle.  Local  range-riders 


IN   QUARANTINE  277 

kept  all  the  native  and  wintered  Texas  cattle  to  the 
westward  of  the  river  and  away  from  the  through 
ones,  which  was  easily  done  by  riding  lines,  the 
Southern  herds  being  held  under  constant  control 
and  hence  never  straying.  The  first  Texas  herds  to 
arrive  naturally  traveled  north  to  the  dead-line, 
and,  choosing  a  range,  went  into  camp  until  frost 
relieved  them.  It  was  an  unwritten  law  that  a  herd 
was  entitled  to  as  much  grazing  land  as  it  needed, 
and  there  was  a  report  about  Miles  City  that  the 
quarantine  ground  was  congested  with  cattle  half 
way  from  Powderville  to  the  Wyoming  line. 

The  outlook  was  encouraging.  Quarantine  was 
working  a  hardship  to  herds  along  the  old  Powder 
River  route,  yet  their  enforced  isolation  was  like 
a  tempered  wind  to  our  cause  and  cattle,  the  latter 
then  leisurely  grazing  across  Dakota  from  the  Little 
Missouri  to  the  mouth  of  the  Yellowstone.  For 
tune  favored  us  in  many  respects.  About  Miles 
City  there  was  no  concealment  of  our  mission,  re 
sulting  in  an  old  acquaintance  of  Lovell's  loaning 
us  horses,  while  old  man  Don  had  no  trouble  in 
getting  drafts  cashed  to  the  amount  of  two  thou 
sand  dollars.  What  he  expected  to  do  with  this 
amount  of  money  was  a  mystery  to  Dave  and  my 
self,  a  mystery  which  instantly  cleared  when  we 
were  in  the  privacy  of  our  room  at  the  hotel. 

"  Here,  boys,"  said  old  man  Don,  throwing  the 
roll  of  money  on  the  bed,  "  divide  this  wad  between 
you.  There  might  be  such  a  thing  as  using  a  little 


278  THE   OUTLET 

here  and  there  to  sweeten  matters  up,  and  making 
yourselves  rattling  good  fellows  wherever  you  go. 
Now  in  the  first  place,  I  want  you  both  to  under 
stand  that  this  money  is  clear  velvet,  and  don't 
hesitate  to  spend  it  freely.  Eat  and  drink  all  you 
can,  and  gamble  a  little  of  it  if  that  is  necessary. 
You  two  will  saddle  up  in  the  morning  and  ride 
to  Powderville,  while  I  will  lie  around  here  a  few 
days  and  try  the  market  for  cattle  next  year,  and 
then  go  on  to  Big  Horn  on  my  way  to  the  Crow 
Agency.  Feel  your  way  carefully  ;  locate  the  herds 
of  Field,  Kadcliff  &  Co.,  and  throw  everything  in 
their  way  to  retard  progress.  It  is  impossible  to 
foretell  what  may  happen,  and  for  that  reason  only 
general  orders  can  be  given.  And  remember,  I 
don't  want  to  see  that  money  again  if  there  is  any 
chance  to  use  it." 

Powderville  was  a  long  day's  ride  from  Miles 
City.  By  making  an  early  start  and  resting  a  few 
hours  at  noon,  we  reached  that  straggling  outpost 
^hortly  after  nightfall.  There  was  a  road-house  for 
the  wayfaring  man  and  a  corral  for  his  beast,  a 
general  store,  opposition  saloons,  and  the  regulation 
blacksmith  shop,  constituting  the  business  interests 
of  Powderville.  As  arriving  guests,  a  rough  but 
cordial  welcome  was  extended  us  by  the  keeper  of 
the  hostelry,  and  we  mingled  with  the  other  trav 
elers,  but  never  once  mentioning  our  business.  I 
was  uneasy  over  the  money  in  our  possession  ;  not 
that  I  feared  robbery,  but  my  mind  constantly 


IN   QUARANTINE  279 

reverted  to  it,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  I  re 
frained  from  continually  feeling  to  see  that  it  was 
safe.  Sponsilier  had  concealed  his  in  his  boot,  and 
as  we  rode  along,  contended  that  he  could  feel  the 
roll  chafing  his  ankle.  I  had  tied  two  handker 
chiefs  together,  and  rolling  my  share  in  one  of 
them,  belted  the  amount  between  my  overshirt  and 
undershirt.  The  belt  was  not  noticeable,  but  in 
making  the  ride  that  day,  my  hand  involuntarily 
went  to  my  side  where  the  money  lay,  the  action 
never  escaping  the  notice  of  Sponsilier,  who  con 
stantly  twitted  me  over  my  nervousness.  And  al 
though  we  were  tired  as  dogs  after  our  long  ride, 
I  awoke  many  times  that  night  and  felt  to  see  if 
my  money  was  safe  ;  my  partner  slept  like  a  log. 

Several  cowmen,  ranching  on  the  lower  Powder 
River,  had  headquarters  at  this  outpost.  The  next 
morning  Sponsilier  and  I  made  their  acquaintance, 
and  during  the  course  of  the  day  got  a  clear  out 
line  of  the  situation.  On  the  west  the  river  was  the 
recognized  dead-line  to  the  Wyoming  boundary, 
while  two  camps  of  five  men  each  patroled  the 
dividing  line  on  the  north,  drifting  back  the  native 
stock  and  holding  the  through  herds  in  quarantine. 
The  nearest  camp  was  some  distance  east  of  Pow- 
derville,  and  saddling  up  towards  evening  we  rode 
out  and  spent  the  night  at  the  first  quarantine 
station.  A  wagon  and  two  tents,  a  relay  of  saddle 
horses,  and  an  arsenal  of  long-range  firearms  com 
posed  the  outfit.  Three  of  the  five  men  on  duty 


280  THE   OUTLET 

were  Texans.  Making  ourselves  perfectly  at  home, 
we  had  no  trouble  in  locating  the  herds  in  question, 
they  having  already  sounded  the  tocsin  to  clear  the 
way,  claiming  government  beef  recognized  no  local 
quarantine.  The  herds  were  not  over  thirty  miles 
to  the  south,  and  expectation  ran  high  as  to  results 
when  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  cross  the  dead 
line.  Trouble  had  already  occurred,  where  outfits 
respecting  the  quarantine  were  trespassed  upon  by 
three  herds,  making  claim  of  being  under  govern 
ment  protection  and  entitled  to  the  rights  of  emi 
nent  domain.  Fortunately  several  of  the  herds  on 
the  immediate  line  had  been  bought  at  Ogalalla 
and  were  in  possession  of  ranch  outfits  who  owned 
ranges  farther  north,  and  were  anxious  to  see  quar 
antine  enforced.  These  local  cowmen  would  sup 
port  the  established  authority,  and  trouble  was 
expected.  Sponsilier  and  I  widened  the  breach  by 
denouncing  these  intruders  as  the  hirelings  of  a  set 
of  ringsters,  who  had  no  regard  for  the  rights  of 
any  one,  and  volunteered  our  services  in  enforcing 
quarantine  against  them  the  same  as  others. 

Our  services  were  gratefully  accepted.  The  next 
morning  we  were  furnished  fresh  horses,  and  one 
of  us  was  requested,  as  we  were  strangers,  to  ride 
down  the  country  and  reconnoitre  the  advance  of 
the  defiant  drovers.  As  I  was  fearful  that  Field 
or  Kadcliff  might  be  accompanying  the  herds,  and 
recognize  me,  Sponsilier  went  instead,  returning 
late  that  evening. 


IN   QUARANTINE  281 

"  Well,  fellows,"  said  Dave,  as  he  dismounted 
at  the  quarantine  camp,  "  I  've  seen  the  herds, 
and  they  propose  to  cross  this  dead-line  of  yours 
as  easily  as  water  goes  through  a  gourd  funnel. 
They  '11  be  here  by  noon  to-morrow,  and  they  've 
got  the  big  conversation  right  on  tap  to  show  that 
the  government  could  n't  feed  its  army  if  it  was  n't 
for  a  few  big  cowmen  like  them.  There 's  a  strange 
corporal  over  the  three  herds  and  they  're  working 
on  five  horses  to  the  man.  But  the  '  major-domo ' 
is  the  whole  works ;  he  's  a  windy  cuss,  and  inti 
mates  that  he  has  a  card  or  two  up  his  sleeve  that 
will  put  these  quarantine  guards  to  sleep  when  he 
springs  them.  He  's  a  new  man  to  me  ;  at  least 
he  was  n't  with  the  gang  at  Ogalalla." 

During  the  absence  of  my  partner,  I  had  ridden 
the  dead-line  on  the  north.  A  strip  of  country  five 
miles  wide  was  clear  of  cattle  above  the  boundary, 
while  below  were  massed  four  herds,  claiming  the 
range  from  the  mountains  to  the  Powder  River. 
The  leader  of  the  quarantine  guards,  Fred  Ullmer, 
had  accompanied  me  on  the  ride,  and  on  our  return 
we  visited  three  of  the  outfits,  urging  them  to 
hold  all  their  reserve  forces  subject  to  call,  in  case 
an  attempt  was  made  to  force  the  dead-line.  At 
each  camp  I  took  every  possible  chance  to  sow  the 
seeds  of  dissension  and  hatred  against  the  high 
handed  methods  of  The  Western  Supply  Company. 
Defining  our  situation  clearly,  I  asked  each  fore 
man,  in  case  these  herds  defied  local  authority,  who 


282  THE   OUTLET 

would  indemnify  the  owners  for  the  loss  among 
native  cattle  by  fever  between  Powderville  and  the 
mouth  of  the  Yellowstone.  Would  the  drovers? 
Would  the  government  ?  Leaving  these  and  similar 
thoughts  for  their  consideration,  Ullmer  and  I  had 
arrived  at  the  first  quarantine  station  shortly  before 
the  return  of  my  partner. 

Upon  the  report  of  Sponsilier,  Ullmer  was  ap 
pointed  captain,  and  lost  no  time  in  taking  action. 
After  dark,  a  scout  was  sent  to  Camp  No.  2,  a  meet 
ing-place  was  appointed  on  Wolf  Creek  below,  and 
orders  were  given  to  bring  along  every  possible 
man  from  the  local  outfits  and  to  meet  at  the  ren 
dezvous  within  an  hour  after  sun-up  the  next  morn 
ing.  Ullmer  changed  horses  and  left  for  Powder 
ville,  assuring  us  that  he  would  rally  every  man 
interested  in  quarantine,  and  have  his  posse  below 
on  the  creek  by  sunrise.  The  remainder  of  us  at 
headquarters  were  under  orders  to  bring  all  the  arms 
and  ammunition,  and  join  the  quarantine  forces  at 
the  meeting-place  some  five  miles  from  our  camp. 
We  were  also  to  touch  at  and  command  the  pre 
sence  of  one  of  the  four  outfits  while  en  route.  I 
liked  the  determined  action  of  Captain  Ullmer, 
who  I  learned  had  emigrated  with  his  parents  to 
Montana  when  a  boy,  and  had  grown  into  manhood 
on  the  frontier.  Sponsilier  was  likewise  pleased 
with  the  quarantine  leader,  and  we  lay  awake  far 
into  the  night,  reviewing  the  situation  and  trying 
to  anticipate  any  possible  contingency  that  might 


IN    QUARANTINE  283 

thwart  our  plans.  But  to  our  best  reasoning  the 
horizon  was  clear,  and  if  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.'s 
cattle  reached  Fort  Buford  on  the  day  of  deliv 
ery,  well,  it  would  be  a  miracle. 

Fresh  horses  were  secured  at  dawn,  and  break 
fast  would  be  secured  en  route  with  the  cow  outfit. 
There  were  a  dozen  large-calibre  rifles  in  scabbards, 
and  burdening  ourselves  with  two  heavy  guns  to 
the  man  and  an  abundance  of  ammunition,  we 
abandoned  Quarantine  Station  No.  1  for  the  time 
being.  The  camp  which  we  were  to  touch  at  was 
the  one  nearest  the  river  and  north  of  Wolf  Creek, 
and  we  galloped  up  to  it  before  the  sun  had 
even  risen.  Since  everything  was  coming  our  way, 
Sponsilier  and  I  observed  a  strict  neutrality,  but 
a  tow-headed  Texan  rallied  the  outfit,  saying : 

"  Make  haste,  fellows,  and  saddle  up  your  horses. 
Those  three  herds  which  raised  such  a  rumpus  up 
on  Little  Powder  have  sent  down  word  that  they  're 
going  to  cross  our  dead-line  to-day  if  they  have  to 
prize  up  hell  and  put  a  chunk  under  it.  We  have 
decided  to  call  their  bluff  before  they  even  reach 
the  line,  and  make  them  show  their  hand  for  all 
this  big  talk.  Here  's  half  a  dozen  guns  and  car 
tridges  galore,  but  hustle  yourselves.  Fred  went 
into  Powderville  last  night  and  will  meet  us  above 
at  the  twin  buttes  this  morning  with  every  cowman 
in  town.  All  the  other  outfits  have  been  sent  for, 
and  we  '11  have  enough  men  to  make  our  bluff  'stand 
up,  never  fear.  From  what  I  learn,  these  herds 


284  THE   OUTLET 

belong  to  a  lot  of  Yankee  speculators,  and  they 
don't  give  a  tinker's  dam  if  all  the  cattle  in  Mon 
tana  die  from  fever.  They  're  no  better  than  any 
body  else,  and  if  we  allow  them  to  go  through, 
they  '11  leave  a  trail  of  dead  natives  that  will  stink 
us  out  of  this  valley.  Make  haste,  everybody." 

I  could  see  at  a  glance  that  the  young  Texan  had 
touched  their  pride.  The  foreman  detailed  three 
men  to  look  after  the  herd,  and  the  balance  made 
hasty  preparations  to  accompany  the  quarantine 
guards.  A  relief  was  rushed  away  for  the  herders ; 
and  when  the  latter  came  in,  they  reported  having 
sighted  the  posse  from  Powderville,  heading  across 
country  for  the  twin  buttes.  Meanwhile  a  break 
fast  had  been  bolted  by  the  guards,  Sponsilier,  and 
myself,  and  swinging  into  our  saddles,  we  rounded 
a  bluff  bend  of  the  creek  and  rode  for  the  rendez 
vous,  some  three  miles  distant.  I  noticed  by  the 
brands  that  nearly  every  horse  in  that  country  had 
been  born  in  Texas,  and  the  short  time  in  which 
we  covered  the  intervening  miles  proved  that  the 
change  of  climate  had  added  to  their  stability  and 
bottom.  Our  first  glimpse  of  the  meeting-point  re 
vealed  the  summit  of  the  buttes  fairly  covered  with 
horsemen.  From  their  numbers  it  was  evident  that 
ours  was  the  last  contingent  to  arrive ;  but  before 
we  reached  the  twin  mounds,  the  posse  rode  down 
from  the  lookout  and  a  courier  met  and  turned  us 
from  our  course.  The  lead  herd  had  been  sighted 
in  trail  formation  but  a  few  miles  distant,  heading 


IN   QUARANTINE  285 

north,  and  it  was  the  intention  to  head  them  at 
the  earliest  moment.  The  messenger  inquired  our 
numbers,  and  reported  those  arrived  at  forty-five, 
making  the  posse  when  united  a  few  over  sixty 
men. 

A  juncture  of  forces  was  effected  within  a  mile 
of  the  lead  herd.  It  was  a  unique  posse.  Old  fron 
tiersmen,  with  patriarchal  beards  and  sawed-off 
shotguns,  chewed  their  tobacco  complacently  as 
they  rode  forward  at  a  swinging  gallop.  Beardless 
youths,  armed  with  the  old  buffalo  guns  of  their 
fathers,  led  the  way  as  if  an  Indian  invasion  had 
called  them  forth.  Soldiers  of  fortune,  with  South 
ern  accents,  who  were  assisting  in  the  conquest 
of  a  new  empire,  intermingled  with  the  hurrying 
throng,  and  two  men  whose  home  was  in  Medina 
County,  Texas,  looked  on  and  approved.  The  very 
horses  had  caught  the  inspiration  of  the  moment, 
champing  bits  in  their  effort  to  forge  to  the  front 
rank,  while  the  blood-stained  slaver  coated  many 
breasts  or  driveled  from  our  boots.  Before  we  met 
the  herd  a  halt  was  called,  and  about  a  dozen  men 
were  deployed  off  on  each  flank,  while  the  main 
body  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  cattle.  The  latter 
were  checked  by  the  point-men  and  turned  back 
when  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  main 
posse.  Several  horsemen  from  the  herd  rode  for 
ward,  and  one  politely  inquired  the  meaning  of  this 
demonstration.  The  question  was  met  by  a  counter 
one  from  Captain  Ullmer,  who  demanded  to  know 


286  THE   OUTLET 

the  reason  why  these  cattle  should  trespass  on  the 
rights  of  others  and  ignore  local  quarantine.  The 
spokesman  in  behalf  of  the  herd  turned  in  his  sad 
dle  and  gave  an  order  to  send  some  certain  person 
forward.  Sponsilier  whispered  to  me  that  this 
fellow  was  merely  a  segundo.  "  But  wait  till  the 
'major-domo'  arrives,"  he  added.  The  appearance 
of  the  posse  and  the  halting  of  the  herd  summoned 
that  personage  from  the  rear  to  the  front,  and  the 
next  moment  he  was  seen  galloping  up  the  column 
of  cattle.  With  a  plausible  smile  this  high  mogul, 
on  his  arrival,  repeated  the  previous  question,  and 
on  a  similar  demand  from  the  captain  of  the  posse, 
he  broke  into  a  jolly  laugh  from  which  he  recovered 
with  difficulty. 

"  Why,  gentlemen,"  said  he,  every  word  dripping 
with  honeyed  sweetness,  "  this  is  entirely  uncalled 
for.  I  assure  you  that  it  was  purely  an  oversight  on 
my  part  that  T  did  not  send  you  word  in  advance 
that  these  herds  of  mine  are  government  cattle  and 
not  subject  to  local  quarantine.  My  associates  are 
the  largest  army  contractors  in  the  country,  these 
cattle  are  due  at  Fort  Buford  on  the  15th  of  this 
month,  and  any  interference  on  your  part  would  be 
looked  upon  as  an  insult  to  the  government.  In 
fact,  the  post  commander  at  Fort  Laramie  insisted 
that  he  be  permitted  to  send  a  company  of  cavalry 
to  escort  us  across  Wyoming,  and  assured  us  that 
a  troop  from  Fort  Keogh,  if  requested,  would  meet 
our  cattle  on  the  Montana  line.  The  army  is  jealous 


IN   QUARANTINE  287 

over  its  supplies,  but  I  declined  all  military  protec 
tion,  knowing  that  I  had  but  to  show  my  creden 
tials  to  pass  unmolested  anywhere.  Now,  if  you 
care  to  look  over  these  papers,  you  will  see  that 
these  cattle  are  en  route  to  Fort  Buford,  on  an 
assignment  of  the  original  contract,  issued  by  the 
secretary  of  war  to  The  Western  Supply  Company. 
Very  sorry  to  put  you  to  all  this  trouble,  but  these 
herds  must  not  be  interfered  with.  I  trust  that 
you  gentlemen  understand  that  the  government  is 
supreme." 

As  the  papers  mentioned  were  produced,  Spon- 
silier  kicked  me  on  the  shin,  gave  me  a  quiet  wink, 
and  nodded  towards  the  documents  then  being  ten 
dered  to  Captain  Ullmer.  Groping  at  his  idea,  I 
rode  forward,  and  as  the  papers  were  being  returned 
with  a  mere  glance  on  the  part  of  the  quarantine 
leader,  I  politely  asked  if  I  might  see  the  assign 
ment  of  the  original  contract.  But  a  quizzical  smile 
met  my  request,  and  shaking  out  the  heavy  parch 
ment,  he  rapped  it  with  the  knuckles  of  his  disen 
gaged  hand,  remarking  as  he  returned  it  to  his 
pocket,  "  Sorry,  but  altogether  too  valuable  to  allow 
out  of  my  possession."  Just  what  I  would  have 
done  with  the  beribboned  document,  except  to  hand 
it  over  to  Sponsilier,  is  beyond  me,  yet  I  was  vaguely 
conscious  that  its  destruction  was  of  importance  to 
our  side  of  the  matter  at  issue.  At  the  same  instant 
in  which  my  request  was  declined,  the  big  medi 
cine  man  turned  to  Captain  Ullmer  and  suavely 


288  THE  OUTLET 

remarked,  "  You  found  everything  as  represented, 
did  you?" 

"  Why,  I  heard  your  statement,  and  I  have  also 
heard  it  disputed  from  other  sources.  In  fact  I  have 
nothing  to  do  with  you  except  to  enforce  the  quar 
antine  now  established  by  the  cattlemen  of  eastern 
Montana.  If  you  have  any  papers  showing  that 
your  herds  were  wintered  north  of  latitude  37,  you 
can  pass,  as  this  quarantine  is  only  enforced  against 
cattle  from  south  of  that  degree.  This  territory  lost 
half  a  million  dollars'  worth  of  native  stock  last  fall 
from  Texas  fever,  and  this  season  they  propose  to 
apply  the  ounce  of  preventive.  You  will  have  ample 
time  to  reach  your  destination  after  frost  falls,  and 
your  detention  by  quarantine  will  be  a  good  excuse 
for  your  delay.  Now,  unless  you  can  convince  me 
that  your  herds  are  immune,  I  '11  show  you  a  good 
place  to  camp  on  the  head  of  Wolf  Creek.  It  will 
probably  be  a  matter  of  ten  to  fifteen  days  before 
the  quarantine  is  lifted,  and  we  are  enforcing  it 
against  citizens  of  Montana  and  Texas  alike,  and 
no  exception  can  be  made  in  your  case." 

"  But,  my  dear  sir,  this  is  not  a  local  or  personal 
matter.  Whatever  you  do,  don't  invite  the  frown 
of  the  government.  Let  me  warn  you  not  to  act  in 
haste.  Now,  remember  —  " 

"  You  made  your  cracks  that  you  would  cross 
this  quarantine  line,"  interrupted  Ullmer,  bris- 
tlingly,  "  and  I  want  you  to  find  out  your  mistake. 
There  is  no  occasion  for  further  words,  and  you  can 


IN   QUARANTINE  289 

either  order  your  outfit  to  turn  your  cattle  east,  or 
I  '11  send  men  and  do  it  myself." 

The  "  major-domo  "  turned  and  galloped  back  to 
his  men,  a  number  of  whom  had  congregated  near  at 
hand.  The  next  moment  he  returned  and  haughtily 
threatened  to  surrender  the  cattle  then  and  there 
unless  he  was  allowed  to  proceed.  "  Give  him  a 
receipt  for  his  beeves,  Fred,"  quietly  remarked  an 
old  cowman,  gently  stroking  his  beard,  "  and  I  '11 
take  these  boys  over  here  on  the  right  and  start 
the  cattle.  That  will  be  the  safest  way,  unless  the 
gentleman  can  indemnify  us.  I  lost  ten  thousand 
dollars'  worth  of  stock  last  fall,  and  as  a  citizen 
of  Montana  I  have  objections  to  leaving  a  trail  of 
fever  from  here  to  the  mouth  of  the  Yellowstone. 
And  tell  him  he  can  have  a  bond  for  his  cattle," 
called  back  the  old  man  as  he  rode  out  of  hearing. 
The  lead  herd  was  pointed  to  the  east,  and  squads 
of  men  rode  down  and  met  the  other  two,  veering 
them  off  on  an  angle  to  the  right.  Meanwhile  the 
superintendent  raved,  pleaded,  and  threatened  with 
out  avail,  but  finally  yielded  and  refused  the  receipt 
and  dispossession  of  his  cattle.  This  was  just  what 
the  quarantine  captain  wanted,  and  the  dove  of  peace 
began  to  shake  its  plumage.  Within  an  hour  all 
three  of  the  herds  were  moving  out  for  the  head  of 
Wolf  Creek,  accompanied  only  by  the  quarantine 
guards,  the  remainder  of  the  posse  returning  to 
their  homes  or  their  work.  Having  ample  time  on 
our  hands,  Sponsilier  and  I  expected  to  remain 


290  THE   OUTLET 

at  Station  No.  1  until  after  the  10th  of  Septem 
ber,  and  accordingly  made  ourselves  at  home  at 
that  camp.  To  say  that  we  were  elated  over  the 
situation  puts  it  mildly,  and  that  night  the  two 
of  us  lost  nearly  a  hundred  dollars  playing  poker 
with  the  quarantine  guards.  A  strict  vigilance  was 
maintained  over  the  herds  in  question,  but  all 
reports  were  unanimous  that  they  were  contentedly 
occupying  their  allotted  range. 

But  at  noon  on  the  third  day  of  the  enforced 
isolation,  a  messenger  from  Powderville  arrived  at 
the  first  station.  A  troop  of  cavalry  from  Fort 
Keogh,  accompanied  by  a  pack-train,  had  crossed 
the  Powder  River  below  the  hamlet,  their  avowed 
mission  being  to  afford  an  escort  for  certain  gov 
ernment  beef,  then  under  detention  by  the  local 
authorities.  The  report  fell  among  us  like  a  flash 
of  lightning.  Ample  time  had  elapsed  for  a  mes 
senger  to  ride  to  the  Yellowstone,  and,  returning 
with  troops.,  pilot  them  to  the  camps  of  Field,  Rad- 
cliff  &  Co.  A  consultation  was  immediately  held, 
but  no  definite  line  of  action  had  been  arrived  at 
when  a  horseman  from  one  of  the  lower  camps 
dashed  up  and  informed  us  that  the  three  herds 
were  already  trailing  out  for  the  dead-line,  under 
an  escort  of  cavalry.  Saddling  up,  we  rallied  what 
few  men  were  available,  determined  to  make  a  pro 
test,  at  least,  in  the  interest  of  humanity  to  dumb 
brutes.  We  dispatched  couriers  to  the  nearest 
camps  and  the  outer  quarantine  station ;  but  be- 


IN   QUARANTINE  291 

fore  a  posse  of  twenty  men  arrived,  the  lead  herd 
was  within  a  mile  of  the  dead-line,  and  we  rode 
out  and  met  them.  Fully  eighty  troopers,  half  of 
which  rode  in  column  formation  in  front,  halted  us 
as  we  approached.  Terse  and  to  the  point  were  the 
questions  and  answers  exchanged  between  the  mili 
tary  arm  of  the  government  and  the  quarantine 
authorities  of  Montana.  When  the  question  arose 
of  indemnity  to  citizens,  in  case  of  death  to  native 
cattle,  a  humane  chord  was  touched  in  the  young 
lieutenant  in  command,  resulting  in  his  asking 
several  questions,  to  which  the  "  major-domo  "  pro 
tested.  Once  satisfied  of  the  justice  of  quarantine, 
the  officer,  in  defense  of  his  action,  said : 

"  Gentlemen,  I  am  under  instructions  to  give 
these  herds,  intended  for  use  at  Fort  Buford,  a 
three  days'  escort  beyond  this  quarantine  line.  I 
am  very  much  obliged  to  you  all  for  making  so 
clear  the  necessity  of  isolating  herds  of  Texas  cat 
tle,  and  that  little  or  no  hardship  may  attend  my 
orders,  you  may  have  until  noon  to-morrow  to  drift 
all  native  stock  west  of  the  Powder  Kiver.  When 
these  herds  encamp  for  the  night,  they  will  receive 
instructions  not  to  move  forward  before  twelve 
to-morrow.  I  find  the  situation  quite  different  from 
reports;  nevertheless  orders  are  orders." 


CHAPTER  XX 
ON  THE  JUST  AND  THE  UNJUST 

THE  quarantine  guards  returned  to  their  camp. 
Our  plans  were  suddenly  and  completely  upset, 
and  not  knowing  which  way  to  turn,  Sponsilier  and 
I,  slightly  crestfallen,  accompanied  the  guards.  It 
was  already  late  in  the  evening,  but  Captain  Ull- 
mer  took  advantage  of  the  brief  respite  granted 
him  to  clear  the  east  half  of  the  valley  of  native 
cattle.  Couriers  were  dispatched  to  sound  the 
warning  among  the  ranches  down  the  river,  while 
a  regular  round-up  outfit  was  mustered  among  the 
camps  to  begin  the  drifting  of  range  stock  that 
evening.  A  few  men  were  left  at  the  two  camps,  as 
quarantine  was  not  to  be  abandoned,  and  securing 
our  borrowed  horses,  my  partner  and  I  bade  our 
friends  farewell  and  set  out  on  our  return  for  the 
Yellowstone.  Merely  touching  at  Powderville  for 
a  hasty  supper,  we  held  a  northwest,  cross-country 
course,  far  into  the  night,  when  we  unsaddled  to 
rest  our  horses  and  catch  a  few  hours'  sleep.  But 
sunrise  found  us  again  in  our  saddles,  and  by  the 
middle  of  the  forenoon  we  were  breakfasting  with 
our  friends  in  Miles  City. 

Fort  Keogh  was  but  a  short  distance  up  the  river. 


ON  THE  JUST  AND   THE   UNJUST       298 

That  military  interference  had  been  secured  through 
fraud  aiad  deception,  there  was  not  the  shadow  of 
a  doubt.  During  the  few  hours  which  we  spent  in 
Miles,  the  cattle  interests  were  duly  aroused,  and 
a  committee  of  cowmen  were  appointed  to  call  on 
the  post  commander  at  Keogh  with  a  formidable 
protest,  which  would  no  doubt  be  supplemented 
later,  on  the  return  of  the  young  lieutenant  and  his 
troopers.  During  our  ride  the  night  before,  Spon- 
silier  and  I  had  discussed  the  possibility  of  arous 
ing  the  authorities  at  Glendive.  Since  it  was  in  the 
neighborhood  of  one  hundred  miles  from  Powder- 
ville  to  the  former  point  on  the  railroad,  the  herds 
would  consume  nearly  a  week  in  reaching  there.  A 
freight  train  was  caught  that  afternoon,  and  within 
twenty-four  hours  after  leaving  the  quarantine  camp 
on  the  Powder  River,  we  had  opened  headquarters 
at  the  Stock  Exchange  Saloon  in  Glendive.  On 
arriving,  I  deposited  one  hundred  dollars  with  the 
proprietor  of  that  bar-rooin,  with  the  understand 
ing  that  it  was  to  be  used  in  getting  an  expression 
from  the  public  in  regard  to  the  question  of  Texas 
fever.  Before  noon  the  next  day,  Dave  Sponsilier 
and  Tom  Quirk  were  not  only  the  two  most  popular 
men  in  Glendive,  but  quarantine  had  been  decided 
on  with  ringing  resolutions. 

Our  standing  was  soon  of  the  best.  Horses  were 
tendered  us,  and  saddling  one  I  crossed  the  Yellow 
stone  and  started  down  the  river  to  arouse  outlying 
ranches,  while  Sponsilier  and  a  number  of  local 


294  THE   OUTLET 

cowmen  rode  south  to  locate  a  camp  and  a  dead 
line.  I  was  absent  two  days,  having  gone  north  as 
far  as  Wolf  Island,  where  I  recrossed  the  river, 
returning  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  valley.  At 
no  ranch  which  was  visited  did  my  mission  fail  of 
meeting  hearty  approval,  especially  on  the  western 
side  of  the  river,  where  severe  losses  from  fever 
had  been  sustained  the  fall  before.  One  ranch  on 
Thirteen  Mile  offered,  if  necessary,  to  send  every 
man  in  its  employ,  with  their  own  wagon  and  out 
fit  of  horses,  free  of  all  charge,  until  quarantine 
was  lifted.  But  I  suggested,  instead,  that  they  send 
three  or  four  men  with  their  horses  and  blankets, 
leaving  the  remainder  to  be  provided  for  by  the 
local  committee.  In  my  two  days'  ride,  over  fifty 
volunteers  were  tendered,  but  I  refused  all  except 
twenty,  who  were  to  report  at  Glendive  not  later 
than  the  morning  of  the  6th.  On  my  return  to  the 
railroad,  all  arrangements  were  completed  and  the 
outlook  was  promising.  Couriers  had  arrived  from 
the  south  during  my  absence,  bringing  the  news  of 
the  coming  of  the  through  Texas  cattle,  and  warn 
ing  the  local  ranches  to  clear  the  way  or  take  the 
consequences.  All  native  stock  had  been  pushed 
west  of  the  Powder  and  Yellowstone,  as  far  north 
as  Cabin  Creek,  which  had  been  decided  on  as  the 
second  quarantine-line.  Daily  reports  were  being 
received  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  moving  herds, 
and  at  the  rate  they  were  traveling,  they  would 
reach  Cabin  Creek  about  the  7th.  Two  wagons  had 


ON  THE  JUST  AND  THE   UNJUST       295 

been  outfitted,  cooks  employed,  and  couriers  dis 
patched  to  watch  the  daily  progress  of  the  cattle, 
which,  if  following  the  usual  route,  would  strike 
the  dead-line  some  distance  south  of  Glendive. 

During  the  next  few  days,  Sponsilier  and  I  were 
social  lions  in  that  town,  and  so  great  was  our 
popularity  we  could  have  either  married  or  been 
elected  to  office.  We  limited  our  losses  at  poker 
to  so  much  an  evening,  and  what  we  won  from  the 
merchant  class  we  invariably  lost  among  the  volun 
teer  guards  and  cowmen,  taking  our  luck  with  a 
sangfroid  which  proved  us  dead-game  sports,  and 
made  us  hosts  of  friends.  We  had  contributed  one 
hundred  dollars  to  the  general  quarantine  fund,  and 
had  otherwise  made  ourselves  popular  with  all 
classes  in  the  brief  time  at  our  command.  Under 
the  pretense  that  we  might  receive  orders  at  any 
time  to  overtake  our  herds,  we  declined  all  leader 
ship  in  the  second  campaign  about  to  be  inaugu 
rated  against  Texas  fever.  Dave  and  I  were  both 
feeling  rather  chesty  over  the  masterful  manner  in 
which  we  had  aroused  the  popular  feeling  in  favor 
of  quarantine  in  our  own  interest,  at  the  same  time 
making  it  purely  a  local  movement.  We  were 
swaggering  about  like  ward-heelers,  when  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  5th  the  unexpected  again  hap 
pened.  The  business  interests  of  the  village  usually 
turned  out  to  meet  the  daily  passenger  trains,  even 
the  poker-games  taking  a  recess  until  the  cars  went 
past.  The  arrival  and  departure  of  citizens  of  the 


296  THE   OUTLET 

place  were  noted  by  every  one,  and  strangers  were 
looked  upon  with  timidity,  very  much  as  in  all 
simple  communities.  Not  taking  any  interest  in 
the  passing  trains,  Sponsilier  was  writing  a  letter 
to  his  girl  in  Texas,  while  I  was  shaking  dice  for 
the  cigars  with  the  bartender  of  the  Stock  Exchange, 
when  the  Eastbound  arrived.  After  the  departure 
of  the  train,  I  did  not  take  any  notice  of  the  re 
turn  of  the  boys  to  the  abandoned  games,  or  the 
influx  of  patrons  to  the  house,  until  some  one  laid 
a  hand  on  my  shoulder  and  quietly  said,  "  Is  n't 
your  name  Quirk  ?  " 

Turning  to  the  speaker,  I  was  confronted  by 
Mr.  Field  and  Mr.  Kadcliff,  wao  had  just  arrived 
by  train  from  the  west.  Admitting  my  identity, 
I  invited  them  to  have  a  cigar  or  liquid  refreshment, 
inquiring  whence  they  had  come  and  where  their 
cattle  were.  To  my  surprise,  Fort  Keogh  was 
named  as  their  last  refuge,  and  the  herds  were 
reported  to  cross  the  railroad  within  the  next  few 
days.  Similar  questions  were  asked  me,  but  before 
replying,  I  caught  Sponsilier's  eye  and  summoned 
him  with  a  wink.  On  Dave's  presenting  himself,  I 
innocently  asked  the  pair  if  they  did  not  remember 
my  friend  as  one  of  the  men  whom  they  had  under 
arrest  at  Dodge.  They  grunted  an  embarrassed 
acknowledgment,  which  was  returned  in  the  same 
coin,  when  I  proceeded  to  inform  them  that  our 
cattle  crossed  the  railroad  at  Little  Missouri  ten 
days  before,  and  that  we  were  only  waiting  the 


ON   THE   JUST   AND  THE   UNJUST       297 

return  of  Mr.  Lovell  from  the  Crow  Agency  before 
proceeding  to  our  destination.  With  true  Yankee 
inquisitiveness,  other  questions  followed,  the  trend 
of  which  was  to  get  us  to  admit  that  we  had  some 
thing  to  do  with  the  present  activities  in  quaran 
tining  Texas  cattle.  But  I  avoided  their  leading 
queries,  and  looked  appealingly  at  Sponsilier,  who 
came  to  my  rescue  with  an  answer  born  of  the 
moment. 

"Well,  gentlemen,"  said  Dave,  seating  himself 
on  the  bar  and  leisurely  rolling  a  cigarette,  "  that 
town  of  Little  Missouri  is  about  the  dullest  hole  that 
I  was  ever  water-bound  in.  Honestly,  I  'd  rather  be 
with  the  cattle  than  loafing  in  it  with  money  in  my 
pocket.  Now  this  town  has  got  some  get-up  about 
it ;  I  '11  kiss  a  man's  foot  if  he  complains  that  this 
burg  is  n't  sporty  enough  for  his  blood.  They  've 
given  me  a  run  here  for  my  white  alley,  and  I  still 
think  I  know  something  about  that  game  called 
draw-poker.  But  you  were  speaking  about  quaran 
tine.  Yes  ;  there  seems  to  have  been  a  good  many 
cattle  lost  through  these  parts  last  fall.  You  ought 
to  have  sent  your  herds  up  through  Dakota,  where 
there  is  no  native  stock  to  interfere.  I  'd  hate  to 
have  cattle  coming  down  the  Powder  Eiver.  A 
friend  of  mine  passed  through  here  yesterday  ;  his 
herd  was  sold  for  delivery  on  the  Elkhorn,  north  of 
here,  and  he  tells  me  he  may  not  be  able  to  reach 
there  before  October.  He  saw  your  herds  and  tells 
me  you  are  driving  the  guts  out  of  them.  So  if 


298  THE   OUTLET 

there  's  anything  in  that  old  '  ship-fever  theory,'  you 
ought  to  be  quarantined  until  it  snows.  There  's  a 
right  smart  talk  around  here  of  fixing  a  dead-line 
below  somewhere,  and  if  you  get  tied  up  before 
reaching  the  railroad,  it  won't  surprise  me  a  little 
bit.  When  it  comes  to  handling  the  cattle,  old  man 
Don  has  the  good  hard  cow-sense  every  time,  but 
you  shorthorns  give  me  a  pain." 

"  What  did  I  tell  you  ?  "  said  Radcliff,  the  elder 
one,  to  his  partner,  as  they  turned  to  leave. 

On  nearing  the  door,  Mr.  Field  halted  and  be- 
grudgingly  said,  "  See  you  later,  Quirk." 

"  Not  if  I  see  you  first,"  I  replied ;  "you  ain't  my 
kind  of  cowmen." 

Not  even  waiting  for  them  to  pass  outside,  Spon- 
silier,  from  his  elevated  position,  called  every  one  to 
the  bar  to  irrigate.  The  boys  quit  their  games,  and 
as  they  lined  up  in  a  double  row,  Dave  begged  the 
bartenders  to  bestir  themselves,  and  said  to  his 
guests  :  "  Those  are  the  kid-gloved  cowmen  that 
I  've  been  telling  you  about  —  the  owners  of  the 
Texas  cattle  that  are  coming  through  here.  Did 
I  hang  it  on  them  artistically,  or  shall  I  call  them 
back  and  smear  it  on  a  shade  deeper  ?  They  smelt 
a  mouse  all  right,  and  when  their  cattle  reach  Cabin 
Creek,  they  '11  smell  the  rat  in  earnest.  Now,  set 
out  the  little  and  big  bottle  and  everybody  have 
a  cigar  on  the  side.  And  drink  hearty,  lads,  for 
to-morrow  we  may  be  drinking  branch  water  in 
a  quarantine  camp." 


ON   THE  JUST   AND   THE  UNJUST      299 

The  arrival  of  Field  and  Radcliff  was  accepted 
as  a  defiance  to  the  local  cattle  interests.  Popular 
feeling  was  intensified  when  it  was  learned  that  they 
were  determined  not  to  recognize  any  local  quaran 
tine,  and  were  secretly  inquiring  for  extra  men  to 
guard  their  herds  in  passing  Glendive.  There  was 
always  a  rabble  element  in  every  frontier  town,  and 
no  doubt,  as  strangers,  they  could  secure  assistance 
in  quarters  that  the  local  cowmen  would  spurn. 
Matters  were  approaching  a  white  heat,  when  late 
that  night  an  expected  courier  arrived,  and  reported 
the  cattle  coming  through  at  the  rate  of  twenty 
miles  a  day.  They  were  not  following  any  particu 
lar  trail,  traveling  almost  due  north,  and  if  the 
present  rate  of  travel  was  maintained,  Cabin  Creek 
would  be  reached  during  the  forenoon  of  the  7th. 
This  meant  business,  and  the  word  was  quietly 
passed  around  that  all  volunteers  were  to  be  ready 
to  move  in  the  morning.  A  cowman  named  K-etal- 
lac,  owner  of  a  range  on  the  Yellowstone,  had  pre 
viously  been  decided  on  as  captain,  and  would  have 
under  him  not  less  than  seventy-five  chosen  men, 
which  number,  if  necessary,  could  easily  be  in 
creased  to  one  hundred. 

Morning  dawned  on  a  scene  of  active  operations. 
The  two  wagons  were  started  fully  an  hour  in  ad 
vance  of  the  cavalcade,  which  was  to  follow,  driv 
ing  a  remuda  of  over  two  hundred  saddle  horses. 
Sponsilier  and  I  expected  to  accompany  the  outfit, 
but  at  the  last  moment  our  plans  were  changed  by 


300  THE   OUTLET 

an  incident  and  we  remained  behind,  promising  to 
overtake  them  later.  There  were  a  number  of  old 
buffalo  hunters  in  town,  living  a  precarious  life, 
and  one  of  their  number  had  quietly  informed 
Sheriff  Wherry  that  they  had  been  approached 
with  an  offer  of  five  dollars  a  day  to  act  as  an 
escort  to  the  herds  while  passing  through.  The 
quarantine  captain  looked  upon  that  element  as 
a  valuable  ally,  suggesting  that  if  it  was  a  question 
of  money,  our  side  ought  to  be  in  the  market  for 
their  services.  Heartily  agreeing  with  him,  the 
company  of  guards  started,  leaving  their  captain 
behind  with  Sponsilier  and  myself.  Glendive 
was  a  county  seat,  and  with  the  assistance  of  the 
sheriff,  we  soon  had  every  buffalo  hunter  in  the 
town  corralled.  They  were  a  fine  lot  of  rough  men, 
inclined  to  be  convivial,  and  with  the  assistance  of 
Sheriff  Wherry,  coupled  with  the  high  standing  of 
the  quarantine  captain,  on  a  soldier's  introduction 
Dave  and  I  made  a  good  impression  among  them. 
Sponsilier  did  the  treating  and  talking,  his  offer 
being  ten  dollars  a  day  for  a  man  and  horse,  which 
was  promptly  accepted,  when  the  question  natu 
rally  arose  who  would  stand  sponsor  for  the  wages. 
Dave  backed  off  some  distance,  and  standing  on 
his  left  foot,  pulled  off  his  right  boot,  shaking  out 
a  roll  of  money  on  the  floor. 

"  There  's  the  long  green,  boys,"  said  he,  "  and 
you  fellows  can  name  your  own  banker.  I  '11  make 
it  up  a  thousand,  and  whoever  you  say  goes  with 


ON   THE  JUST   AND  THE   UNJUST       301 

me.  Shall  it  be  the  sheriff,  or  Mr.  Ketallac,  or  the 
proprietor  of  the  Stock  Exchange  ?  " 

Sheriff  Wherry  interfered,  relieving  the  embar 
rassment  in  appointing  a  receiver,  and  vouched 
that  these  two  Texans  were  good  for  any  reasonable 
sum.  The  buffalo  hunters  approved,  apologizing 
to  Sponsilier,  as  he  pulled  on  his  boot,  for  ques 
tioning  his  financial  standing,  and  swearing  alle 
giance  in  every  breath.  An  hour's  time  was  granted 
in  which  to  saddle  and  make  ready,  during  which 
we  had  a  long  chat  with  Sheriff  Wherry  and  found 
him  a  valuable  ally.  He  had  cattle  interests  in  the 
country,  and  when  the  hunters  appeared,  fifteen 
strong,  he  mounted  his  horse  and  accompanied  us 
several  miles  on  the  way.  "  Now,  boys,"  said  he, 
at  parting,  "  I  '11  keep  an  eye  over  things  around 
town,  and  if  anything  important  happens,  I  '11  send 
a  courier  with  the  news.  If  those  shorthorns  at 
tempt  to  offer  any  opposition,  I  '11  run  a  blazer  on 
them,  and  if  necessary  I  '11  jug  the  pair.  You  fel 
lows  just  buffalo  the  herds,  and  the  sheriff's  office 
will  keep  cases  on  any  happenings  around  Glen  dive. 
It 's  understood  that  night  or  day  your  camp  can 
be  found  on  Cabin  Creek,  opposite  the  old  eagle 
tree.  Better  send  me  word  as  soon  as  the  herds 
arrive.  Good  luck  to  you,  lads." 

Neither  wagons  nor  guards  were  even  sighted 
during  our  three  hours'  ride  to  the  appointed  camp 
ground.  On  our  arrival  tents  were  being  pitched 
and  men  were  dragging  up  wood,  while  the  cooks 


302  THE   OUTLET 

were  busily  preparing  a  late  dinner,  the  station 
being  fully  fifteen  miles  south  of  the  railroad. 
Scouts  were  thrown  out  during  the  afternoon,  cor 
rals  built,  and  evening  found  the  quarantine  camp 
well  established  for  the  comfort  of  its  ninety-odd 
men.  The  buffalo  hunters  were  given  special  atten 
tion  and  christened  the  "  Sponsilier  Guards ;  "  they 
took  again  to  outdoor  life  as  in  the  old  days.  The 
report  of  the  scouts  was  satisfactory ;  all  three  of 
the  herds  had  been  seen  and  would  arrive  on  sched 
ule  time.  A  hush  of  expectancy  greeted  this  news, 
but  Sponsilier  and  I  ridiculed  the  idea  that  there 
would  be  any  opposition,  except  a  big  talk  and 
plenty  of  bluffing. 

"  Well,  if  that 's  what  they  rely  on,"  said  Captain 
Retallac,  "  then  they  're  as  good  as  in  quarantine 
this  minute.  If  you  feel  certain  they  can't  get  help 
from  Fort  Keogh  a  second  time,  those  herds  will  be 
our  guests  until  further  orders.  What  we  want  to 
do  now  is  to  spike  every  possible  chance  for  their 
getting  any  help,  and  the  matter  will  pass  over  like 
a  summer  picnic.  If  you  boys  think  there  's  any 
danger  of  an  appeal  to  Fort  Buford,  the  military 
authorities  want  to  be  notified  that  the  Yellowstone 
Valley  has  quarantined  against  Texas  fever  and 
asks  their  cooperation  in  enforcing  the  same." 

"  I  can  fix  that,"  replied  Sponsilier.  "  We  have 
lawyers  at  Buford  right  now,  and  I  can  wire  them 
the  situation  fully  in  the  morning.  If  they  rely  on 
the  military,  they  will  naturally  appeal  to  the  near- 


ON   THE  JUST  AND  THE   UNJUST       303 

est  post,  and  if  Keogh  and  Buford  turn  them  down, 
the  next  ones  are  on  the  Missouri  River,  and  at 
that  distance  cavalry  couldn't  reach  here  within 
ten  days.  Oh,  I  think  we  've  got  a  grapevine  twist 
on  them  this  time." 

Sponsilier  sat  up  half  the  night  wording  a  mes 
sage  to  our  attorneys  at  Fort  Buford.  The  next 
morning  found  me  bright  and  early  on  the  road  to 
Glendive  with  the  dispatch,  the  sending  of  which 
would  deplete  my  cash  on  hand  by  several  dollars, 
but  what  did  we  care  for  expense  when  we  had  the 
money  and  orders  to  spend  it?  I  regretted  my 
absence  from  the  quarantine  camp,  as  I  was  anxious 
to  be  present  on  the  arrival  of  the  herds,  and  again 
watch  the  "  major-domo  "  run  on  the  rope  and  fume 
and  charge  in  vain.  But  the  importance  of  block 
ing  assistance  was  so  urgent  that  I  would  gladly 
have  ridden  to  Buford  if  necessary.  In  that  bracing 
atmosphere  it  was  a  fine  morning  for  the  ride,  and 
I  was  rapidly  crossing  the  country,  when  a  vehicle, 
in  the  dip  of  the  plain,  was  sighted  several  miles 
ahead.  I  was  following  no  road,  but  when  the 
driver  of  the  conveyance  saw  me  he  turned  across 
my  front  and  signaled.  On  meeting  the  rig,  I  could 
hardly  control  myself  from  laughing  outright,  for 
there  on  the  rear  seat  sat  Field  and  Radcliff,  ex 
tremely  gruff  and  uncongenial.  Common  courtesies 
were  exchanged  between  the  driver  and  myself,  and 
I  was  able  to  answer  clearly  his  leading  questions : 
Yes ;  the  herds  would  reach  Cabin  Creek  before 


304  THE   OUTLET 

noon ;  the  old  eagle  tree,  which  could  be  seen  from 
the  first  swell  of  the  plain  beyond,  marked  the  quar 
antine  camp,  and  it  was  the  intention  to  isolate  the 
herds  on  the  South  Fork  of  Cabin.  "  Drive  on," 
said  a  voice,  and,  in  the  absence  of  any  gratitude 
expressed,  I  inwardly  smiled  in  reward. 

I  was  detained  in  Glendive  until  late  in  the  day, 
waiting  for  an  acknowledgment  of  the  message. 
Sheriff  Wherry  informed  me  that  the  only  move 
attempted  on  the  part  of  the  shorthorn  drovers  was 
the  arrest  of  Sponsilier  and  myself,  on  the  charge 
of  being  accomplices  in  the  shooting  of  one  of  their 
men  on  the  North  Platte.  But  the  sheriff  had  as 
sured  the  gentlemen  that  our  detention  would  have 
no  effect  on  quarantining  their  cattle,  and  the  mat 
ter  was  taken  under  advisement  and  dropped.  It 
was  late  when  I  started  for  camp  that  evening. 
The  drovers  had  returned,  accompanied  by  their 
superintendent,  and  were  occupying  the  depot,  burn 
ing  the  wires  in  every  direction.  I  was  risking 
no  chances,  and  cultivated  the  company  of  Sheriff 
Wherry  until  the  acknowledgment  arrived,  when 
he  urged  me  to  ride  one  of  his  horses  in  returning 
to  camp,  and  insisted  on  my  taking  a  carbine.  Pos 
sibly  this  was  fortunate,  for  before  I  had  ridden 
one  third  the  distance  to  the  quarantine  camp,  I 
met  a  cavalcade  of  nearly  a  dozen  men  from  the 
isolated  herds.  When  they  halted  and  inquired  the 
distance  to  Glendive,  one  of  their  number  recog 
nized  me  as  having  been  among  the  quarantine 


ON   THE  JUST   AND  THE   UNJUST       305 

guards  at  Powder ville.  I  admitted  that  I  was  there, 
turning  my  horse  so  that  the  carbine  fell  to  my 
hand,  and  politely  asked  if  any  one  had  any  objec 
tions.  It  seems  that  no  one  had,  and  after  a  few 
commonplace  inquiries  were  exchanged,  we  passed 
on  our  way. 

There  was  great  rejoicing  on  Cabin  Creek  that 
night.  Songs  were  sung,  and  white  navy  beans 
passed  current  in  numerous  poker-games  until  the 
small  hours  of  morning.  There  had  been  nothing 
dramatic  in  the  meeting  between  the  herds  and  the 
quarantine  guards,  the  latter  force  having  been  aug 
mented  by  visiting  ranchmen  and  their  help,  until 
protest  would  have  been  useless.  A  routine  of  work 
had  been  outlined,  much  stricter  than  at  Powder- 
ville,  and  a  surveillance  of  the  camps  was  constantly 
maintained.  Not  that  there  was  any  danger  of  es 
cape,  but  to  see  that  the  herds  occupied  the  country 
allotted  to  them,  and  did  not  pollute  any  more  ter 
ritory  than  was  necessary.  The  Sponsilier  Guards 
were  given  an  easy  day  shift,  and  held  a  circle  of 
admirers  at  night,  recounting  and  living  over  again 
"  the  good  old  days."  Visitors  from  either  side  of 
the  Yellowstone  were  early  callers,  and  during  the 
afternoon  the  sheriff  from  Glendive  arrived.  I  did 
not  know  until  then  that  Mr.  Wherry  was  a  can 
didate  for  reelection  that  fall,  but  the  manner  in 
which  he  mixed  with  the  boys  was  enough  to  war 
rant  his  election  for  life.  What  endeared  him  to 
Sponsilier  and  myself  was  the  fund  of  information 


306  THE   OUTLET 

he  had  collected,  and  the  close  tab  he  had  kept  on 
every  movement  of  the  opposition  drovers.  He  told 
us  that  their  appeal  to  Fort  Keogh  for  assistance 
had  been  refused  with  a  stinging  rebuke ;  that  a 
courier  had  started  the  evening  before  down  the 
river  for  Fort  Buford,  and  that  Mr.  Radcliff  had 
personally  gone  to  Fort  Abraham  Lincoln  to  solicit 
help.  The  latter  post  was  fully  one  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  away,  but  that  distance  could  be  easily 
covered  by  a  special  train  in  case  of  government 
interference. 

It  rained  on  the  afternoon  of  the  9th.  The  courier 
had  returned  from  Fort  Bnford  on  the  north,  unsuc 
cessful,  as  had  also  Mr.  Radcliff  from  Fort  Lin 
coln  on  the  Missouri  River  to  the  eastward.  The 
latter  post  had  referred  the  request  to  Keogh, 
and  washed  its  hands  of  intermeddling  in  a  country 
not  tributary  to  its  territory.  The  last  hope  of  in 
terference  was  gone,  and  the  rigors  of  quarantine 
closed  in  like  a  siege  with  every  gun  of  the  enemy 
spiked.  Let  it  be  a  week  or  a  month  before  the 
quarantine  was  lifted,  the  citizens  of  Montana  had 
so  willed  it,  and  their  wish  was  law.  Evening  fell, 
and  the  men  drew  round  the  fires.  The  guards  but 
toned  their  coats  as  they  rode  away,  and  the  tired 
ones  drew  their  blankets  around  them  as  they  lay 
down  to  sleep.  Scarcely  a  star  could  be  seen  in 
the  sky  overhead,  but  before  my  partner  or  myself 
sought  our  bed,  a  great  calm  had  fallen,  the  stars 
were  shining,  and  the  night  had  grown  chilly. 


ON  THE  JUST  AND  THE  UNJUST       307 

The  old  buffalo  hunters  predicted  a  change  in  the 
weather,  but  beyond  that  they  were  reticent.  As 
Sponsilier  and  I  lay  down  to  sleep,  we  agreed  that 
if  three  days,  even  two  days,  were  spared  us,  those 
cattle  in  quarantine  could  never  be  tendered  at 
Fort  Buford  on  the  appointed  day  of  delivery.  But 
during  the  early  hours  of  morning  we  were  aroused 
by  the  returning  guards,  one  of  whom  halted  his 
horse  nea.r  our  blankets  and  shouted,  "  Hey,  there, 
you  Texans ;  get  up  —  a  frost  has  fallen !  " 

Sure  enough,  it  had  frosted  during  the  night,  and 
the  quarantine  was  lifted.  When  day  broke,  every 
twig  and  blade  of  grass  glistened  in  silver  sheen, 
and  the  horses  on  picket  stood  humped  and  shiv 
ering.  The  sun  arose  upon  the  herds  moving,  with 
no  excuse  to  say  them  nay,  and  orders  were  issued 
to  the  guards  to  break  camp  and  disperse  to  their 
homes.  As  we  rode  into  Glendive  that  morning, 
sullen  and  defeated  by  a  power  beyond  our  con 
trol,  in  speaking  of  the  peculiarity  of  the  interven 
tion,  Sponsilier  said  :  "  Well,  if  it  rains  on  the  just 
and  the  unjust  alike,  why  shouldn't  it  frost  the 


CHAPTER  XXI 
FORT  BUFORD 

WE  were  at  our  rope's  end.  There  were  a  few  ac 
counts  to  settle  in  Glendive,  after  which  we  would 
shake  its  dust  from  our  feet.  Very  few  of  the  quar 
antine  guards  returned  to  town,  and  with  the 
exception  of  Sheriff  Wherry,  none  of  the  leading 
cowmen,  all  having  ridden  direct  for  their  ranches. 
Long  before  the  train  arrived  which  would  carry  us 
to  Little  Missouri,  the  opposition  herds  appeared 
and  crossed  the  railroad  west  of  town.  Their  com 
missaries  entered  the  village  for  supplies,  while  the 
"  major-domo,"  surrounded  by  a  body-guard  of  men, 
rode  about  on  his  miserable  palfrey.  The  sheriff, 
fearing  a  clash  between  the  victorious  and  the  van 
quished,  kept  an  eye  on  Sponsilier  and  me  as  we 
walked  the  streets,  freely  expressing  our  contempt 
of  Field,  Eadcliff  &  Co.,  their  henchmen  and  their 
methods.  Dave  and  I  were  both  nerved  to  des 
peration  ;  Sheriff  Wherry,  anxious  to  prevent  a 
conflict,  counciled  with  the  opposition  drovers,  re 
sulting  in  their  outfits  leaving  town,  while  the 
principals  took  stage  across  to  Buford. 

Meanwhile  Sponsilier  had  wired  full  particulars 
to  our  employer  at  Big  Horn.    It  was  hardly  neces- 


FORT   BUFORD  309 

sary,  as  the  frost  no  doubt  was  general  all  over 
Montana,  but  we  were  anxious  to  get  into  commu 
nication  with  Lovell  immediately  on  his  return  to 
the  railroad.  We  had  written  him  from  Miles  of 
our  failure  at  Powderville,  and  the  expected  second 
stand  at  Glendive,  and  now  the  elements  had  no 
tified  him  that  the  opposition  herds  were  within 
striking  distance,  and  would  no  doubt  appear  at 
Buford  on  or  before  the  day  of  delivery.  An  irri 
table  man  like  our  employer  would  neither  eat  nor 
sleep,  once  the  delivery  at  the  Crow  Agency  was 
over,  until  reaching  the  railroad,  and  our  message 
would  be  awaiting  him  on  his  return  to  Big  Horn. 
Our  train  reached  Little  Missouri  early  in  the  even 
ing,  and  leaving  word  with  the  agent  that  we  were 
expecting  important  messages  from  the  west,  we 
visited  the  liveryman  and  inquired  about  the  welfare 
of  our  horses.  The  proprietor  of  the  stable  in 
formed  us  that  they  had  fared  well,  and  that  he 
would  have  them  ready  for  us  on  an  hour's  notice. 
It  was  after  dark  and  we  were  at  supper  when  the 
first  message  came.  An  immediate  answer  was  re 
quired,  and  arising  from  the  table,  we  left  our  meal 
unfinished  and  hastened  to  the  depot.  From  then 
until  midnight,  messages  flashed  back  and  forth, 
Sponsilier  dictating  while  I  wrote.  As  there  was 
no  train  before  the  regular  passenger  the  next  day, 
the  last  wire  requested  us  to  have  the  horses  ready 
to  meet  the  Eastbound,  saying  that  Bob  Quirk 
would  accompany  Lovell. 


310  THE   OUTLET 

That  night  it  frosted  again.  Sponsilier  and  I 
slept  until  noon  the  next  day  without  awakening. 
Then  the  horses  were  brought  in  from  pasture,  and 
preparation  was  made  to  leave  that  evening.  It  was 
in  the  neighborhood  of  ninety  miles  across  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Yellowstone,  and  the  chances  were 
that  we  would  ride  it  without  unsaddling.  The 
horses  had  had  a  two  weeks'  rest,  and  if  our  em 
ployer  insisted  on  it,  we  would  breakfast  with  the 
herds  the  next  morning.  I  was  anxious  to  see  the 
cattle  again  and  rejoin  my  outfit,  but  like  a  watched 
pot,  the  train  was  an  hour  late.  Sponsilier  and  I 
took  advantage  of  the  delay  and  fortified  the  inner 
man  against  the  night  and  the  ride  before  us. 
This  proved  fortunate,  as  Lovell  and  my  brother 
had  supper  en  route  in  the  dining-car.  A  running 
series  of  questions  were  asked  and  answered ;  sad 
dles  were  shaken  out  of  gunny-sacks  and  cinched 
on  waiting  horses  as  though  we  were  starting  to 
a  prairie  fire.  Bob  Quirk's  cattle  had  reached  the 
Crow  Agency  in  splendid  condition,  the  delivery 
was  effected  without  a  word,  and  old  man  Don 
was  in  possession  of  a  letter  from  Flood,  saying 
everything  had  passed  smoothly  at  the  Kosebud 
Agency. 

Contrary  to  the  expectation  of  Sponsilier  and 
myself,  our  employer  was  in  a  good  humor,  fairly 
walking  on  the  clouds  over  the  success  of  his  two 
first  deliveries  of  the  year.  But  amid  the  bustle 
and  rush,  in  view  of  another  frosty  night,  Sponsilier 


FORT   BUFORD  311 

inquired  if  it  would  not  be  a  good  idea  to  fortify 
against  the  chill,  by  taking  along  a  bottle  of  brandy. 
"  Yes,  two  of  them  if  you  want  to,"  said  old  man 
Don,  in  good-humored  approval.  "Here,  Tom,  fork 
this  horse  and  take  the  pitch  out  of  him,"  he  con 
tinued  ;  "  I  don't  like  the  look  of  his  eye."  But 
before  I  could  reach  the  horse,  one  of  my  own 
string,  Bob  Quirk  had  mounted  him,  when  in  testi 
mony  of  the  nutritive  qualities  of  Dakota's  grasses, 
he  arched  his  spine  like  a  true  Texan  and  outlined 
a  worm-fence  in  bucking  a  circle. 

The  start  was  made  during  the  gathering  dusk. 
Sponsilier  further  lifted  the  spirits  of  our  employer, 
as  we  rode  along,  by  a  clear-cut  description  of 
the  opposition  cattle,  declaring  that  had  they  ever 
equaled  ours,  the  handling  they  had  received  since 
leaving  Ogalalla,  compared  to  his,  would  class  them 
with  short  twos  in  the  spring  against  long  threes 
in  the  fall.  Within  an  hour  the  stars  shone  out, 
and  after  following  the  river  some  ten  miles,  we 
bore  directly  north  until  Beaver  Creek  was  reached 
near  midnight.  The  pace  was  set  at  about  an  eight- 
mile,  steady  clip,  with  an  occasional  halt  to  tighten 
cinches  or  shift  saddles.  The  horses  were  capable 
of  a  faster  gait  without  tiring,  but  we  were  not 
sure  of  the  route  and  were  saving  them  for  the 
finish  after  daybreak.  Early  in  the  night  we  were 
conscious  that  a  frost  was  falling,  and  several  times 
Sponsilier  inquired  if  no  one  cared  for  a  nip  from 
his  bottle.  Bob  Quirk  started  the  joke  on  Dave  by 


312  THE   OUTLET 

declining ;  old  man  Don  uncorked  the  flask,  and, 
after  smelling  of  the  contents,  handed  it  back  with 
his  thanks.  I  caught  onto  their  banter,  and  not 
wishing  to  spoil  a  good  jest,  also  declined,  leaving 
Sponsilier  to  drink  alone.  Daring  the  night,  when 
ever  conversation  lagged,  some  one  was  certain  to 
make  reference  to  the  remarks  which  are  said  to 
have  passed  between  the  governors  of  the  Carolinas, 
or  if  that  failed  to  provoke  a  rise,  ask  direct  if  no 
one  had  something  to  ward  off  the  chilly  air.  After 
being  refused  several  times,  Dave  had  thrown  the 
bottle  away,  meeting  these  jests  with  the  reply  that 
he  had  a  private  flask,  but  its  quality  was  such 
that  he  was  afraid  of  offending  our  cultivated  tastes 
by  asking  us  to  join  him. 

Day  broke  about  five  in  the  morning.  We  had 
been  in  the  saddle  nearly  ten  hours,  and  were  con 
fident  that  sunrise  would  reveal  some  landmark  to 
identify  our  location.  The  atmosphere  was  frosty 
and  clear,  and  once  the  gray  of  dawn  yielded  to 
the  rising  sun,  the  outline  of  the  Yellowstone  was 
easily  traced  on  our  left,  while  the  bluffs  in  our 
front  shielded  a  view  of  the  mother  Missouri.  In 
attempting  to  approach  the  latter  we  encountered 
some  rough  country  and  were  compelled  to  turn 
towards  the  former,  crossing  it,  at  O'Brien's  road- 
house,  some  seven  miles  above  the  mouth.  The  hus 
banded  reserves  of  our  horses  were  shaken  out,  and 
shortly  afterward  smoke-clouds  from  camp-fires, 
hanging  low,  attracted  our  attention.  The  herds 


FORT   BUFORD  313 

were  soon  located  as  they  arose  and  grazed  away 
from  their  bed-grounds.  The  outfits  were  encamped 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Yellowstone  ;  and  before 
leaving  the  government  road,  we  sighted  in  our 
front  a  flag  ascending  to  greet  the  morning,  and 
the  location  of  Fort  Buford  was  established.  Turn 
ing  towards  the  cattle,  we  rode  for  the  lower  wagon 
and  were  soon  unsaddling  at  Forrest's  camp.  The 
latter  had  arrived  two  days  before  and  visited  the 
post ;  he  told  us  that  the  opposition  were  there  in 
force,  as  well  as  our  own  attorneys.  The  arrival 
of  the  cattle  under  contract  for  that  military  divi 
sion  was  the  main  topic  of  discussion,  and  Forrest 
had  even  met  a  number  of  civilian  employees  of 
Fort  Buford  whose  duties  were  to  look  after  the 
government  beeves.  The  foreman  of  these  unen- 
listed  attaches,  a  Texan  named  Sanders,  had  casu 
ally  ridden  past  his  camp  the  day  before,  looking 
over  the  cattle,  and  had  pronounced  them  the  finest 
lot  of  beeves  tendered  the  government  since  his 
connection  with  that  post. 

"  That 's  good  news,"  said  Lovell,  as  he  threw 
his  saddle  astride  the  front  wheel  of  the  wagon ; 
"  that 's  the  way  I  like  to  hear  my  cattle  spoken 
about.  Now,  you  boys  want  to  make  friends  with 
all  those  civilians,  and  my  attorneys  and  Bob  and 
I  will  hobnob  around  with  the  officers,  and  try  and 
win  the  good  will  of  the  entire  post.  You  want  to 
change  your  camp  every  few  days  and  give  your 
cattle  good  grazing  and  let  them  speak  for  them- 


314  THE  OUTLET 

selves.  Better  kill  a  beef  among  the  outfits,  and 
insist  on  all  callers  staying  for  meals.  We  're 
strangers  here,  and  we  want  to  make  a  good  im 
pression,  and  show  the  public  that  we  were  born 
white,  even  if  we  do  handle  cattle  for  a  living. 
Quince,  tie  up  the  horses  for  us,  and  after  break 
fast  Bob  and  I  will  look  over  the  herds  and  then 
ride  into  Fort  Buf ord.  —  Trout  for  breakfast  ?  You 
don't  mean  it !  " 

It  was  true,  however,  and  our  appetites  did  them 
justice.  Forrest  reported  Splann  as  having  arrived 
a  day  late,  and  now  encamped  the  last  herd  up  the 
valley.  Taking  our  horses  with  us,  Dave  and  I  set 
out  to  look  up  our  herds  and  resume  our  former 
positions.  I  rode  through  Sponsilier's  cattle  while 
en  route  to  my  own,  and  remembered  the  first 
impression  they  had  made  on  my  mind,  —  their 
uniformity  in  size  and  smoothness  of  build,  —  and 
now  found  them  fatted  into  finished  form,  the  herd 
being  a  credit  to  any  drover.  Continuing  on  my 
way,  I  intercepted  my  own  cattle,  lying  down  over 
hundreds  of  acres,  and  so  contented  that  I  refused 
to  disturb  them.  Splann  reported  not  over  half  a 
dozen  sore-footed  ones  among  them,  having  grazed 
the  entire  distance  from  Little  Missouri,  giving  the 
tender  cattle  a  good  chance  to  recover.  I  held  a 
circle  of  listeners  for  several  hours,  in  recounting 
Sponsilier's  and  my  own  experiences  in  the  quar 
antine  camps,  and  our  utter  final  failure,  except 
that  the  opposition  herds  had  been  detained,  which 


FORT   BUFORD  315 

would  force  them  to  drive  over  twenty  miles  a  day 
in  order  to  reach  Buford  on  time.  On  the  other 
hand,  an  incident  of  more  than  ordinary  moment 
had  occurred  with  the  cattle  some  ten  days  previous. 
The  slow  movement  of  the  grazing  herds  allowed  a 
great  amount  of  freedom  to  the  boys  and  was  taken 
advantage  of  at  every  opportunity.  It  seems  that 
on  approaching  Beaver  Creek,  Owen  Ubery  and 
Runt  Pickett  had  ridden  across  to  it  for  the  pur 
pose  of  trout-fishing.  They  were  gone  all  day,  hav 
ing  struck  the  creek  some  ten  or  twelve  miles  west 
of  the  cattle,  expecting  to  fish  down  it  and  over 
take  the  herds  during  the  evening.  But  about  noon 
they  discovered  where  a  wagon  had  been  burned, 
years  before,  and  near  by  were  five  human  skele 
tons,  evidently  a  family.  It  was  possibly  the  work 
of  Indians,  or  a  blizzard,  and  to  prove  the  discov 
ery,  Pickett  had  brought  in  one  of  the  skulls  and 
proposed  taking  it  home  with  him  as  a  memento  of 
the  drive.  Parent  objected  to  having  the  reminder 
in  the  wagon,  and  a  row  resulted  between  them, 
till  Splann  interfered  and  threw  the  gruesome  relic 
away. 

The  next  morning  a  dozen  of  us  from  the  three 
herds  rode  into  the  post.  Fort  Buford  was  not  only 
a  military  headquarters,  but  a  supply  depot  for 
other  posts  farther  west  on  the  Missouri  and  Yel 
lowstone  rivers.  The  nearest  railroad  connection 
was  Glendive,  seventy-six  miles  up  the  latter  stream, 
though  steamboats  took  advantage  of  freshets  in 


316  THE   OUTLET 

the  river  to  transport  immense  supplies  from  lower 
points  on  the  Missouri  where  there  were  rail  con 
nections.  From  Buford  westward,  transportation 
was  effected  by  boats  of  lighter  draft  and  the  reg 
ulation  wagon  train.  It  was  recognized  as  one  of 
the  most  important  supply  posts  in  the  West ;  as 
early  as  five  years  previous  to  this  date,  it  had  re 
ceived  in  a  single  summer  as  many  as  ten  thousand 
beeves.  Its  provision  for  cavalry  was  one  of  its 
boasted  features,  immense  stacks  of  forage  flank 
ing  those  quarters,  while  the  infantry  barracks  and 
officers'  quarters  were  large  and  comfortable.  A 
stirring  little  town  had  sprung  up  on  the  outside, 
affording  the  citizens  employment  in  wood  and  hay 
contracts,  and  becoming  the  home  of  a  large  number 
of  civilian  employees,  the  post  being  the  mainstay 
of  the  village. 

After  settling  our  quarantine  bills,  Sponsilier 
and  I  each  had  money  left.  Our  employer  refused 
even  to  look  at  our  expense  bills  until  after  the 
delivery,  but  urged  us  to  use  freely  any  remaining 
funds  in  cultivating  the  good  will  of  the  citizens 
and  soldiery  alike.  Forrest  was  accordingly  supplied 
with  funds,  with  the  understanding  that  he  was 
to  hunt  up  Sanders  and  his  outfit  and  show  them 
a  good  time.  The  beef  foreman  was  soon  located 
in  the  quartermaster's  office,  and,  having  been  con 
nected  with  the  post  for  several  years,  knew  the 
ropes.  He  had  come  to  Buford  with  Texas  cattle, 
and  after  their  delivery  had  accepted  a  situation 


FORT  BUFORD  317 

under  the  acting  quartermaster,  easily  rising  to  the 
foremanship  through  his  superior  abilities  as  a  cow 
man.  It  was  like  a  meeting  of  long-lost  brothers  to 
mingle  again  with  a  cow  outfit,  and  the  sutler's  bar 
did  a  flourishing  business  during  our  stay  in  the 
post.  There  were  ten  men  in  Sanders's  outfit,  sev 
eral  of  whom  besides  himself  were  Texans,  and 
before  we  parted,  every  rascal  had  promised  to 
visit  us  the  next  day  and  look  over  all  the  cattle. 

The  next  morning  Bob  Quirk  put  in  an  early 
appearance  at  my  wagon.  He  had  passed  the  other 
outfits,  and  notified  us  all  to  have  the  cattle  under 
convenient  herd,  properly  watered  in  advance,  as 
the  post  commandant,  quartermaster,  and  a  party 
of  minor  officers  were  going  to  ride  out  that  after 
noon  and  inspect  our  beeves.  Lovell,  of  course, 
would  accompany  them,  and  Bob  reported  him  as 
having  made  a  ten-strike  with  the  officers'  mess,  not 
being  afraid  to  spend  his  money.  Fortunately  the 
present  quartermaster  at  Buford  was  a  former  ac 
quaintance  of  Lovell,  the  two  having  had  business 
transactions.  The  quartermaster  had  been  con 
nected  with  frontier  posts  from  Fort  Clark,  Texas, 
to  his  present  position.  According  to  report,  the 
opposition  were  active  and  waging  an  aggressive 
campaign,  but  not  being  Western  men,  were  at  a 
disadvantage.  Champagne  had  flowed  freely  at 
a  dinner  given  the  night  before  by  our  employer, 
during  which  Senator  Aspgrain,  in  responding  to 
a  toast,  had  paid  the  army  a  high  tribute  for  the 


318  THE  OUTLET 

part  it  had  played  in  reclaiming  the  last  of  our 
western  frontier.  The  quartermaster,  in  replying, 
had  felicitously  remarked,  as  a  matter  of  his  own 
observation,  that  the  Californian's  love  for  a  horse 
was  only  excelled  by  the  Texan's  love  for  a  cow,  to 
which,  amid  uproarious  laughter,  old  man  Don 
arose  and  bowed  his  acknowledgment. 

My  brother  changed  horses  and  returned  to 
Sponsilier's  wagon.  Dave  had  planned  to  entertain 
the  post  beef  outfit  for  dinner,  and  had  insisted 
on  Bob's  presence.  They  arrived  at  my  herd  near 
the  middle  of  the  forenoon,  and  after  showing  the 
cattle  and  remuda,  we  all  returned  to  Sponsilier's 
camp.  These  civilian  employees  furnished  their 
own  mounts,  and  were  anxious  to  buy  a  number  of 
our  best  horses  after  the  delivery  was  over.  Not 
even  a  whisper  was  breathed  about  any  uncertainty 
of  our  filling  the  outstanding  contract,  yet  Sanders 
was  given  to  understand  that  Don  Lovell  would 
rather,  if  he  took  a  fancy  to  him,  give  a  man  a 
horse  than  sell  him  one.  Not  a  word  was  said  about 
any  opposition  to  our  herds;  that  would  come 
later,  and  Sanders  and  his  outfit  were  too  good 
judges  of  Texas  cattle  to  be  misled  by  any  bluster 
or  boastful  talk.  Sponsilier  acted  the  host,  and 
after  dinner  unearthed  a  box  of  cigars,  and  we  told 
stories  and  talked  of  our  homes  in  the  sunny  South 
until  the  arrival  of  the  military  party.  The  herds 
had  been  well  watered  about  noon  and  drifted  out 
on  the  first  uplands,  and  we  intercepted  the  caval- 


FORT   BUFORD  319 

cade  before  it  reached  Sponsilier's  herd.  They  were 
mounted  on  fine  cavalry  horses,  and  the  only  greet 
ing  which  passed,  aside  from  a  military  salute,  was 
when  Lovell  said  :  "  Dave,  show  these  officers  your 
beeves.  Answer  any  question  they  may  ask  to  the 
best  of  your  ability.  Gentlemen,  excuse  me  while 
you  look  over  the  cattle." 

There  were  about  a  dozen  military  men  in  the 
party,  some  of  them  veterans  of  the  civil  war,  others 
having  spent  their  lifetime  on  our  western  frontier, 
while  a  few  were  seeing  their  first  year's  service 
after  leaving  West  Point.  In  looking  over  the  cat 
tle,  the  post  commander  and  quartermaster  were 
taken  under  the  wing  of  Sanders,  who,  as  only  a 
man  could  who  was  born  to  the  occupation,  called 
their  attention  to  every  fine  point  about  the  beeves. 
After  spending  fully  an  hour  with  Sponsilier's  herd, 
the  cavalcade  proceeded  on  to  mine,  Lovell  rejoin 
ing  the  party,  but  never  once  attempting  to  draw 
out  an  opinion,  and  again  excusing  himself  on 
reaching  my  cattle.  I  continued  with  the  military, 
answering  every  one's  questions,  from  the  young 
lieutenant's  to  the  veteran  commandant's,  in  which 
I  was  ably  seconded  by  the  quartermaster's  fore 
man.  My  cattle  had  a  splendid  fill  on  them  and 
eloquently  spoke  their  own  praises,  yet  Sanders  lost 
no  opportunity  to  enter  a  clincher  in  their  favor. 
He  pointed  out  beef  after  beef,  and  vouched  for  the 
pounds  net  they  would  dress,  called  attention  'to 
their  sameness  in  build,  ages,  and  general  thrift, 


320  THE  OUTLET 

until  one  would  have  supposed  that  he  was  a  sales 
man  instead  of  a  civilian  employee. 

My  herd  was  fully  ten  miles  from  the  post,  and 
it  was  necessary  for  the  military  to  return  that 
evening.  Don  Lovell  and  a  number  of  the  boys 
had  halted  at  a  distance,  and  once  the  inspection 
was  over,  we  turned  and  rode  back  to  the  waiting 
group  of  horsemen.  On  coming  up,  a  number  of 
the  officers  dismounted  to  shift  saddles,  preparatory 
to  starting  on  their  return,  when  the  quartermaster 
halted  near  our  employer  and  said  : 

"  Colonel  Lovell,  let  me  say  to  you,  in  all  sin 
cerity,  that  in  my  twenty-five  years'  experience  on 
this  frontier,  I  never  saw  a  finer  lot  of  beeves  ten 
dered  the  government  than  these  of  yours.  My 
position  requires  that  I  should  have  a  fair  know 
ledge  of  beef  cattle,  and  the  perquisites  of  my  office 
in  a  post  of  JBuford's  class  enable  me  to  employ  the 
best  practical  men  available  to  perfect  the  service. 
I  remember  the  quality  of  cattle  which  you  delivered 
four  years  ago  to  me  at  Fort  Kandall,  when  it  was 
a  six-company  post,  yet  they  were  not  as  fine  a  lot 
of  beeves  as  these  are.  I  have  always  contended 
that  there  was  nothing  too  good  in  my  department 
for  the  men  who  uphold  the  colors  of  our  country, 
especially  on  the  front  line.  You  have  been  a  soldier 
yourself  and  know  that  I  am  talking  good  horse- 
sense,  and  I  want  to  say  to  you  that  whatever  the 
outcome  of  this  dispute  may  be,  if  yours  are  the 
best  cattle,  you  may  count  on  my  support  until  the 


MY   CATTLE   ELOQUENTLY   SPOKE   THEIR   OWN    PRAISES 


FORT  BUFORD  321 

drums  beat  tattoo.  The  government  is  liberal  and 
insists  on  the  best ;  the  rank  and  file  are  worthy, 
and  yet  we  don't  always  get  what  is  ordered  and 
well  paid  for.  Now,  remember,  comrade,  if  this 
difference  comes  to  an  issue,  I  'm  right  behind  you, 
and  we  '11  stand  or  be  turned  down  together." 

"  Thank  you,  Colonel,"  replied  Mr.  Lovell.  "  It 
does  seem  rather  fortunate,  my  meeting  up  with 
a  former  business  acquaintance,  and  at  a  time  when 
I  need  him  bad.  If  I  am  successful  in  delivering 
on  this  Buford  award,  it  will  round  out,  during  my 
fifteen  years  as  a  drover,  over  a  hundred  thousand 
cattle  that  I  have  sold  to  the  government  for  its 
Indian  and  army  departments.  There  are  no  secrets 
in  my  business ;  the  reason  of  my  success  is  simple 
—  my  cattle  were  always  there  on  the  appointed 
day,  humanely  handled,  and  generally  just  a  shade 
better  than  the  specifications.  My  home  country 
has  the  cattle  for  sale ;  I  can  tell  within  two  bits 
a  head  what  it  will  cost  to  lay  them  down  here,  and 
it 's  music  to  my  ear  to  hear  you  insist  on  the  best. 
I  agree  with  you  that  the  firing-line  is  entitled  to 
special  consideration,  yet  you  know  that  there  are 
ringsters  who  fatten  at  the  expense  of  the  rank  and 
file.  At  present  I  have  n't  a  word  to  say,  but  at 
noon  to-morrow  I  shall  tender  the  post  commander 
at  Ford  Buford,  through  his  quartermaster,  ten 
thousand  beeves,  as  a  sub-contractor  on  the  original 
award  to  The  Western  Supply  Company." 

The  post  commander,   an  elderly,  white-haired 


322  THE  OUTLET 

officer,  rode  over  and  smilingly  said :  "  Now,  look 
here,  my  Texas  friend,  I  'm  afraid  you  are  borrow 
ing  trouble.  True  enough,  there  has  been  a  protest 
made  against  our  receiving  your  beeves,  and  I  don't 
mince  my  words  in  saying  that  some  hard  things 
have  been  said  about  you.  But  we  happen  to  know 
something  about  your  reputation  and  don't  give 
credit  for  all  that  is  said.  Your  beeves  are  an  elo 
quent  argument  in  your  favor,  and  if  I  were  you 
I  would  n't  worry.  It  is  always  a  good  idea  in  this 
Western  country  to  make  a  proviso ;  and  unless  the 
unforeseen  happens,  the  quartermaster's  cattle  fore 
man  will  count  your  beeves  to-morrow  afternoon ; 
and  for  the  sake  of  your  company,  if  we  keep  you 
a  day  or  two  longer  settling  up,  I  don't  want  to 
hear  you  kick.  Now,  come  on  and  go  back  with  us 
to  the  post,  as  I  promised  my  wife  to  bring  you 
over  to  our  house  this  evening.  She  seems  to  think 
that  a  man  from  Texas  with  ten  thousand  cattle 
ought  to  have  horns,  and  I  want  to  show  her  that 
she  's  mistaken.  Come  on,  now,  and  not  a  damned 
word  of  protest  out  of  you." 

The  military  party  started  on  their  return,  ac 
companied  by  Lovell.  The  civilian  attaches  followed 
at  a  respectful  distance,  a  number  of  us  joining 
them  as  far  as  Sponsilier's  camp.  There  we  halted,* 
when  Sanders  insisted  on  an  explanation  of  the  re 
marks  which  had  passed  between  our  employer  and 
his.  Being  once  more  among  his  own,  he  felt  no 
delicacy  in  asking  for  information  —  which  he  would 


FORT   BUFORD  323 

never  think  of  doing  with  his  superiors.  My  brother 
gave  him  a  true  version  of  the  situation,  but  it  re 
mained  for  Dave  Sponsilier  to  add  an  outline  of 
the  opposition  herds  and  outfits. 

"  With  humane  treatment/'  said  Dave,  "  the  cat 
tle  would  have  qualified  under  the  specifications. 
They  were  bought  at  Ogalalla,  and  any  of  the  boys 
here  will  tell  you  that  the  first  one  was  a  good  herd. 
The  market  was  all  shot  to  pieces,  and  they  picked 
them  up  at  their  own  price.  But  the  owners  did  n't 
have  cow-sense  enough  to  handle  the  cattle,  and  put 
one  of  their  own  gang  over  the  herds  as  superin 
tendent.  They  left  Cabin  Creek,  below  Glendive, 
on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  and  they  '11  have  to 
travel  nearly  twenty  miles  a  day  to  reach  here  by 
noon  to-morrow.  Sanders,  you  know  that  gait  will 
soon  kill  heavy  cattle.  The  outfits  were  made  up 
of  short-card  men  and  dance-hall  ornaments,  wild 
enough  to  look  at,  but  shy  on  cattle  sabe.  Just  so 
they  showed  up  bad  and  wore  a  six-shooter,  that 
was  enough  to  win  a  home  with  Field  and  Kad- 
cliff.  If  they  reach  here  on  time,  I  '11  gamble  there 
ain't  ten  horses  in  the  entire  outfit  that  don't  carry 
a  nigger  brand.  And  when  it  comes  to  the  big 
conversation  —  well,  they  've  simply  got  the  earth 
faded." 

It  was  nearly  sundown  when  we  mounted  our 
horses  and  separated  for  the  day.  Bob  Quirk  re 
turned  to  the  post  with  the  civilians,  while  I  has 
tened  back  to  my  wagon.  I  had  left  orders  with 


324  THE   OUTLET 

Splann  to  water  the  herd  a  second  time  during  the 
evening  and  thus  insure  an  easy  night  in  holding 
the  cattle.  On  my  return,  they  were  just  grazing 
out  from  the  river,  their  front  a  mile  wide,  making 
a  pretty  picture  with  the  Yellowstone  in  the  back 
ground.  But  as  I  sat  my  horse  and  in  retrospect 
reviewed  my  connection  with  the  cattle  before  me 
and  the  prospect  of  soon  severing  it,  my  remuda 
came  over  a  near-by  hill  in  a  swinging  trot  for  their 
second  drink.  Levering  threw  them  into  the  river 
below  the  herd,  and  turning,  galloped  up  to  me 
and  breathlessly  asked:  "Tom,  did  you  see  that 
dust-cloud  up  the  river  ?  Well,  the  other  cattle  are 
coming.  The  timber  cuts  off  your  view  from  here, 
besides  the  sun  's  gone  down,  but  I  watched  their 
signal  for  half  an  hour  from  that  second  hill  yon 
der.  Oh,  it's  cattle  all  right;  I  know  the  sign, 
even  if  they  are  ten  miles  away." 


CHAPTER  XXII 
A  SOLDIER'S  HONOR 

DELIVEKY  day  dawned  with  a  heavy  fog  hanging 
over  the  valley  of  the  Yellowstone.  The  frosts  had 
ceased,  and  several  showers  had  fallen  during  the 
night,  one  of  which  brought  our  beeves  to  their  feet, 
but  they  gave  no  serious  trouble  and  resumed  their 
beds  within  an  hour.  There  was  an  autumn  feeling 
in  the  atmosphere,  and  when  the  sun  arose,  dispell 
ing  the  mists,  a  glorious  September  day  was  ushered 
in.  The  foliage  of  the  timber  which  skirted  either 
river  was  coloring  from  recent  frosts,  while  in 
numerous  places  the  fallen  leaves  of  the  cottonwood 
were  littering  the  ground.  Enough  rain  had  fallen 
to  settle  the  dust,  and  the  signal  of  the  approaching 
herds,  seen  the  evening  before,  was  no  longer  visible. 
The  delay  in  their  appearance,  however,  was  only 
temporary.  I  rode  down  to  Sponsilier's  camp  early 
that  morning  and  reported  the  observations  of  my 
wrangler  at  sundown.  No  one  at  the  lower  wagon 
had  noticed  the  dust-clouds,  and  some  one  suggested 
that  it  might  be  a  freight  outfit  returning  unloaded, 
when  one  of  the  men  on  herd  was  seen  signaling  the 
camp's  notice.  The  attention  of  the  day-herders, 
several  miles  distant,  was  centred  on  some  object 


326  THE   OUTLET 

up  the  river ;  and  mounting  our  horses,  we  rode  for 
the  nearest  elevation,  from  which  two  herds  were 
to  be  seen  on  the  opposite  side,  traveling  in  trail 
formation.  There  was  no  doubting  their  identity ; 
and  wondering  what  the  day  would  bring  forth,  we 
rode  for  a  better  point  of  observation,  when  from 
behind  a  timbered  bend  of  the  river  the  lead  of  the 
last  herd  appeared.  At  last  the  Yellowstone  Valley 
held  over  twenty  thousand  beef  cattle,  in  plain  sight 
of  each  other,  both  factions  equally  determined  on 
making  the  delivery  on  an  award  that  required  only 
half  that  number.  Dismounting,  we  kept  the  herds 
in  view  for  over  an  hour,  or  until  the  last  one  had 
crossed  the  river  above  O'Brien's  road-house,  the 
lead  one  having  disappeared  out  of  sight  over  on 
the  main  Missouri. 

This  was  the  situation  on  the  morning  of  Septem 
ber  15.  As  we  returned  to  Sponsilier's  wagon,  all 
the  idle  men  about  the  camp  joined  our  cavalcade, 
and  we  rode  down  and  paid  Forrest's  outfit  a  social 
visit.  The  latter  were  all  absent,  except  the  cook, 
but  shortly  returned  from  down  the  river  and  re 
ported  the  opposition  herds  to  be  crossing  the  Mis 
souri,  evidently  going  to  camp  at  Alkali  Lake. 

"  Well,  I  've  been  present  at  a  good  many  deliv 
eries,"  said  Quince  Forrest,  as  he  reined  in  his 
horse,  "but  this  one  is  in  a  class  by  itself.  We 
always  aimed  to  get  within  five  or  ten  miles  of  a 
post  or  agency,  but  our  friends  made  a  worthy  effort 
to  get  on  the  parade-ground.  They  did  the  next 


A   SOLDIER'S   HONOR  327 

best  thing  and  occupied  the  grazing  where  the  cav 
alry  horses  have  been  herded  all  summer.  Oh,  their 
cattle  will  be  hog-fat  in  a  few  days.  Possibly  they 
expect  to  show  their  cattle  in  town,  and  not  trouble 
the  quartermaster  and  comandante  to  even  saddle 
up  —  they  're  the  very  kind  of  people  who  would  n't 
give  anybody  trouble  if  they  could  help  it.  It 
would  n't  make  so  much  difference  about  those  old 
frontier  officers  or  a  common  cowman,  but  if  one 
of  those  young  lieutenants  was  to  get  his  feet  wet, 
the  chances  are  that  those  Washington  City  con 
tractors  would  fret  and  worry  for  weeks.  Of  course, 
any  little  inconvenience  that  any  one  incurred  on 
their  account,  they  'd  gladly  come  all  the  way  back 
from  Europe  to  make  it  right  —  I  don't  think." 

While  we  were  discussing  the  situation,  Bob 
Quirk  arrived  at  camp.  He  reported  that  Lovell, 
relying  on  the  superiority  of  our  beeves,  had  waived 
his  right  to  deliver  on  the  hour  of  high  noon,  and 
an  inspection  of  the  other  cattle  would  be  made  that 
evening.  The  waiver  was  made  at  the  request  of 
the  leading  officers  of  Fort  Buford,  all  very  friendly 
to  the  best  interests  of  the  service  and  consequently 
ours,  and  the  object  was  to  silence  all  subsequent 
controversy.  My  brother  admitted  that  some  out 
side  pressure  had  been  brought  to  bear  during  the 
night,  very  antagonistic  to  the  post  commander, 
who  was  now  more  determined  than  ever  to  accept 
none  but  the  best  for  their  next  year's  meat  supply. 
A  well-known  congressman,  of  unsavory  reputation 


328  THE   OUTLET 

as  a  lobbyist  in  aiding  and  securing  government 
contracts  for  his  friends,  was  the  latest  addition  to 
the  legal  forces  of  the  opposition.  He  constantly 
mentioned  his  acquaintances  in  the  War  Depart 
ment  and  maintained  an  air  of  assurance  which  was 
very  disconcerting.  The  younger  officers  in  the  post 
were  abashed  at  the  effrontery  of  the  contractors 
and  their  legal  representatives,  and  had  even  gone  so 
far  as  to  express  doubts  as  to  the  stability  of  their 
positions  in  case  the  decision  favored  Lo veil's  cattle. 
Opinion  was  current  that  a  possible  shake-up  might 
occur  at  Buford  after  the  receipt  of  its  beef  supply, 
and  the  more  timorous  ones  were  anxious  to  get  into 
the  right  wagon,  instead  of  being  relegated  to  some 
obscure  outpost. 

It  was  now  evident  that  the  decisive  issue  was  to 
occur  over  the  delivery  of  the  contending  herds. 
Numerous  possibilities  arose  in  my  imagination,  and 
the  various  foremen  advanced  their  views.  A  gen 
eral  belief  that  old  man  Don  would  fight  to  the  last 
was  prevalent,  and  amidst  the  discussions  pro  and 
con,  I  remarked  that  Lovell  could  take  a  final  refuge 
behind  the  indemnity  in  hand. 

"  Indemnity,  hell !  "  said  Bob  Quirk,  giving  me  a 
withering  look  ;  "  what  is  sixty-five  thousand  dollars 
on  ten  thousand  beeves,  within  an  hour  of  delivery 
and  at  thirty-seven  and  a  half  a  head?  You  all 
know  that  the  old  man  has  strained  his  credit  on 
this  summer's  drive,  and  he  's  got  to  have  the  money 
when  he  goes  home.  A  fifteen  or  twenty  per  cent. 


A  SOLDIER'S   HONOR  329 

indemnity  does  him  no  good.  The  Indian  herds 
have  paid  out  well,  but  if  this  delivery  falls  down,  it 
will  leave  him  holding  the  sack.  On  the  other  hand, 
if  it  goes  through,  he  will  be,  financially,  an  inde 
pendent  man  for  life.  And  while  he  knows  the 
danger  of  delay,  he  consented  as  readily  as  any  of 
us  would  if  asked  for  a  cigarette-paper.  He  may 
come  out  all  right,  but  he  's  just  about  white  enough 
to  get  the  worst  of  it.  I  've  read  these  Sunday- 
school  stories,  where  the  good  little  boy  always  came 
out  on  top,  but  in  real  life,  especially  in  cattle,  it 's 
quite  different." 

My  brother's  words  had  a  magical  effect.  Spon- 
silier  asked  for  suggestions,  when  Bob  urged  that 
every  man  available  go  into  the  post  and  accompany 
the  inspection  party  that  afternoon.  Since  Forrest 
and  himself  were  unknown,  they  would  take  about 
three  of  the  boys  with  them,  cross  the  Missouri, 
ride  through  and  sum  up  the  opposition  cattle. 
Forrest  approved  of  the  idea,  and  ordered  his  cook 
to  bestir  himself  in  getting  up  an  early  dinner. 
Meanwhile  a  number  of  my  boys  had  ridden  down 
to  Forrest's  wagon,  and  I  immediately  dispatched 
Clay  Zilligan  back  to  my  cattle  to  relieve  Vick 
Wolf  and  inform  the  day-herders  that  we  might 
not  return  before  dark.  Wolf  was  the  coolest  man 
in  my  employ,  had  figured  in  several  shooting 
scrapes,  and  as  he  was  a  splendid  shot,  I  wanted 
to  send  him  with  Forrest  and  my  brother.  If  identi 
fied  as  belonging  to  Lovell's  outfits,  there  was  a 


330  THE   OUTLET 

possibility  that  insult  might  be  offered  the  boys ; 
and  knowing  that  it  mattered  not  what  the  odds 
were,  it  would  be  resented,  I  thought  it  advisable 
to  send  a  man  who  had  smelt  powder  at  short  range. 
I  felt  no  special  uneasiness  about  my  brother,  in 
fact  he  was  the  logical  man  to  go,  but  a  little  pre 
caution  would  do  no  harm,  and  I  saw  to  it  that 
Sponsilier  sent  a  good  representative. 

About  one  o'clock  we  started,  thirty  strong.  Rid 
ing  down  the  Yellowstone,  the  three  detailed  men, 
Quince  Forrest,  and  my  brother  soon  bore  off  to 
the  left  and  we  lost  sight  of  them.  Continuing  on 
down  the  river,  we  forded  the  Missouri  at  the  regu 
lar  wagon-crossing,  and  within  an  hour  after  leav 
ing  Forrest's  camp  cantered  into  Fort  Buford. 
Sanders  and  his  outfit  were  waiting  in  front  of  the 
quartermaster's  office,  the  hour  for  starting  having 
been  changed  from  two  to  three,  which  afforded 
ample  time  to  visit  the  sutler's  bar.  Our  arrival 
was  noticed  about  the  barracks,  and  evidently  some 
complaint  had  been  made,  as  old  man  Don  joined 
us  in  time  for  the  first  round,  after  which  he  called 
Dave  and  me  aside.  In  reply  to  his  inquiry  regard 
ing  our  presence,  Sponsilier  informed  him  that  we 
had  come  in  to  afford  him  an  escort,  in  case  he 
wished  to  attend  the  inspection  of  the  opposition 
herds ;  that  if  there  was  any  bulldozing  going  on 
he  need  n't  stand  behind  the  door.  Dave  informed 
him  that  Bob  and  Quince  and  three  of  the  other  boys 
would  meet  us  at  the  cattle,  and  that  he  need  feel 


A   SOLDIER'S   HONOR  331 

no  hesitancy  in  going  if  it  was  his  wish.  It  was 
quite  evident  that  Mr.  Lovell  was  despondent,  but 
he  took  courage  and  announced  his  willingness  to 
go  along. 

"  It  was  my  intention  not  to  go,"  said  he,  "  though 
Mr.  Aspgrain  and  Button  both  urged  that  I  should. 
But  now  since  you  boys  all  feel  the  same  way,  I 
believe  I  '11  go.  Heaven  and  earth  are  being  moved 
to  have  the  other  cattle  accepted,  but  there  are  a 
couple  of  old  war-horses  at  the  head  of  this  post  that 
will  fight  them  to  the  last  ditch,  and  then  some.  I  'm 
satisfied  that  my  beeves,  in  any  market  in  the  West, 
are  worth  ten  dollars  a  head  more  than  the  other 
ones,  yet  there  is  an  effort  being  made  to  turn  us 
down.  Our  claims  rest  on  two  points,  —  superiority 
of  the  beef  tendered,  and  the  legal  impossibility  of 
a  transfer  from  themselves,  a  corporation,  to  them 
selves  as  individuals.  If  there  is  no  outside  inter 
ference,  I  think  we  will  make  the  delivery  before 
noon  to-morrow.  Now,  I  '11  get  horses  for  both 
Mr.  Sutton  and  Senator  Aspgrain,  and  you  see  that 
none  of  the  boys  drink  too  much.  Sanders  and  his 
outfit  are  all  right,  and  I  want  you  lads  to  remind 
me  to  remember  him  before  we  leave  this  post. 
Now,  we  '11  all  go  in  a  little  party  by  ourselves,  and 
I  don't  want  a  word  out  of  a  man,  unless  we  are 
asked  for  an  opinion  from  the  officers,  as  our  cattle 
must  argue  our  cause." 

A  second  drink,  a  cigar  all  round,  and  we  were 
ready  to  start.  As  we  returned  to  our  mounts,  a 


332  THE   OUTLET 

bustle  of  activity  pervaded  the  post.  Orderlies  were 
leading  forth  the  best  horses,  officers  were  appear 
ing  in  riding-boots  and  gauntlets,  while  two  convey 
ances  from  a  livery  in  town  stood  waiting  to  convey 
the  contractors  and  their  legal  representatives.  Our 
employer  and  his  counsel  were  on  hand,  awaiting 
the  start,  when  the  quartermaster  and  his  outfit  led 
off.  There  was  some  delay  among  the  officers  over 
the  change  of  a  horse,  which  had  shown  lameness, 
while  the  ringsters  were  all  seated  and  waiting  in 
their  vehicles.  Since  none  of  us  knew  the  trail  to 
Alkali  Lake,  some  one  suggested  that  we  follow 
up  the  quartermaster  and  allow  the  military  and 
conveyances  to  go  by  the  wagon-road.  But  Lovell 
objected,  and  ordered  me  forward  to  notice  the 
trail  and  course,  as  the  latter  was  a  cut-off  and 
much  nearer  than  by  road.  I  rode  leisurely  past 
the  two  vehicles,  carefully  scanning  every  face, 
when  Mr.  Field  recognized  and  attempted  to  halt 
me,  but  I  answered  him  with  a  contemptuous  look 
and  rode  on.  Instantly  from  the  rigs  came  cries 
of  "  Stop  that  man  !  "  "  Halt  that  cowboy !  "  etc., 
when  an  orderly  stepped  in  front  of  my  horse  and 
I  reined  in.  But  the  shouting  and  my  detention 
were  seen  and  heard,  and  the  next  instant,  led  by 
Mike  Sutton,  our  men  dashed  up,  scaring  the  teams, 
overturning  both  of  the  conveyances,  and  spilling 
their  occupants  on  the  dusty  ground.  I  admit 
that  we  were  a  hard-looking  lot  of  cow-hands,  our 
employer's  grievance  was  our  own,  and  just  for  an 


A  SOLDIER'S  HONOR  333 

instant  there  was  a  blue,  sulphuric  tinge  in  the 
atmosphere  as  we  accented  our  protest.  The  con 
gressman  scrambled  to  his  feet,  sputtering  a  com 
plaint  to  the  post  commander,  and  when  order  was 
finally  restored,  the  latter  coolly  said : 

"  Well,  Mr.  Y ,  when  did  you  assume  com 
mand  at  Fort  Buford  ?  Any  orders  that  you  want 
given,  while  on  this  military  reservation,  please  sub 
mit  them  to  the  proper  authorities,  and  if  just,  they 
will  receive  attention.  What  right  have  you  or  any 
of  your  friends  to  stop  a  man  without  due  process  ? 
I  spent  several  hours  with  these  men  a  few  days 
ago  and  found  them  to  my  liking.  I  wish  we  could 
recruit  the  last  one  of  them  into  our  cavalry.  But 
if  you  are  afraid,  I  '11  order  out  a  troop  of  horse  to 
protect  you.  Shall  I?" 

"  I  'm  not  at  all  afraid,"  replied  Mr.  Radcliff, 
"  but  feel  under  obligation  to  protect  my  counsel. 
If  you  please,  Colonel." 

"  Captain  O'Neill,"  said  the  commandant,  turn 
ing  to  that  officer,  "  order  out  your  troop  and  give 
these  conveyances  ample  protection  from  now  until 
their  return  from  this  cattle  inspection.  Mr.  Lovell, 
if  you  wish  to  be  present,  please  ride  on  ahead  with 
your  men.  The  rest  of  us  will  proceed  at  once, 
and  as  soon  as  the  escort  arrives,  these  vehicles 
will  bring  up  the  rear." 

As  we  rode  away,  the  bugles  were  calling  the 
troopers. 

44  That 's  the  way  to  throw  the  gaff  into  them," 


334  THE   OUTLET 

said  Button,  when  we  had  ridden  out  of  hearing. 
"  Every  time  they  bluff,  call  their  hand,  and  they  '11 
soon  get  tired  running  blazers.  I  want  to  give 
notice  right  now  that  the  first  mark  of  disrespect 
shown  me,  by  client  or  attorney,  I  '11  slap  him  then 
and  there,  I  don't  care  if  he  is  as  big  as  a  giant. 
We  are  up  against  a  hard  crowd,  and  we  want  to 
meet  them  a  little  over  halfway,  even  on  a  hint  or 
insinuation.  When  it  comes  to  buffaloing  the  oppo 
site  side,  that 's  my  long  suit.  The  history  of  this 
case  shows  that  the  opposition  has  no  regard  for  the 
rights  of  others,  and  it  is  up  to  us  to  try  and  teach 
them  that  a  love  of  justice  is  universal.  Personally, 
I  'm  nothing  but  a  frontier  lawyer  from  Dodge,  but 
I  'm  the  equal  of  any  lobbyist  that  ever  left  Wash 
ington  City." 

Alkali  Lake  was  some  little  distance  from  the 
post.  All  three  of  the  herds  were  holding  beyond 
it,  a  polite  request  having  reached  them  to  vacate 
the  grazing-ground  of  the  cavalry  horses.  Lovell 
still  insisted  that  we  stand  aloof  and  give  the  con 
stituted  authorities  a  free,  untrammeled  hand  until 
the  inspection  was  over.  The  quartermaster  and  his 
assistants  halted  on  approaching  the  first  herd,  and 
giving  them  a  wide  berth,  we  rode  for  the  nearest 
good  point  of  observation.  The  officers  galloped  up 
shortly  afterward,  reining  in  for  a  short  conversa 
tion,  but  entering  the  first  herd  before  the  arrival 
of  the  conveyances  and  their  escort.  When  the 
latter  party  arrived,  the  nearest  one  of  the  three 


A  SOLDIER'S   HONOR  335 

herds  had  been  passed  upon,  but  the  contractors 
stood  on  the  carriage  seats  and  attempted  to  look 
over  the  cordon  of  troopers,  formed  into  a  hollow 
square,  which  surrounded  them.  The  troop  were 
mounted  on  chestnut  horses,  making  a  pretty  sight, 
and  I  think  they  enjoyed  the  folly  and  humor  of 
the  situation  fully  as  much  as  we  did.  On  nearing 
the  second  herd,  we  were  met  by  the  other  boys, 
who  had  given  the  cattle  a  thorough  going-over  and 
reported  finding  two  "  Circle  Dot "  beeves  among 
the  opposition  steers.  The  chances  are  that  they  had 
walked  off  a  bed-ground  some  night  while  holding 
at  Ogalalla  and  had  been  absorbed  into  another 
herd  before  morning.  My  brother  announced  his 
intention  of  taking  them  back  with  us,  when  Spon- 
silier  taunted  him  with  the  fact  that  there  might  be 
objections  offered. 

"  That  '11  be  all  right,  Davy,"  replied  Bob  ;  "  it  '11 
take  a  bigger  and  better  outfit  than  these  pimps 
and  tin-horns  to  keep  me  from  claiming  my  own. 
You  just  watch  and  notice  if  those  two  steers  don't 
go  back  with  Forrest.  Why,  they  had  the  nerve 
to  question  our  right  even  to  look  them  over.  It 
must  be  a  trifle  dull  with  the  girls  down  there  in 
Ogalalla  when  all  these  4  babies '  have  to  turn  out 
at  work  or  go  hungry." 

Little  time  was  lost  in  inspecting  the  last  herd. 
The  cattle  were  thrown  entirely  too  close  together 
to  afford  much  opportunity  in  looking  them  over, 
and  after  riding  through  them  a  few  times,  the 


336  THE   OUTLET 

officers  rode  away  for  a  consultation.  We  had  kept 
at  a  distance  from  the  convoy,  perfectly  contented 
so  long  as  the  opposition  were  prisoners  of  their 
own  choosing.  Captain  O'Neill  evidently  understood 
the  wishes  of  his  superior  officer,  and  never  once 
were  his  charges  allowed  within  hailing  distance  of 
the  party  of  inspection.  As  far  as  exerting  any 
influence  was  concerned,  for  that  matter,  all  of  us 
might  have  remained  back  at  the  post  and  received 
the  report  on  the  commander's  return.  Yet  there 
was  a  tinge  of  uncertainty  as  to  the  result,  and  all 
concerned  wanted  to  hear  it  at  the  earliest  moment. 
The  inspection  party  did  not  keep  us  long  in  wait 
ing,  for  after  a  brief  conference  they  turned  and 
rode  for  the  contractors  under  escort.  We  rode 
forward,  the  troop  closed  up  in  close  formation 
about  the  two  vehicles,  and  the  general  tension  rose 
to  that  of  rigidity.  We  halted  quietly  within  easy 
hearing  distance,  and  without  noticing  us  the  com 
mandant  addressed  himself  to  the  occupants  of  the 
conveyances,  who  were  now  standing  on  the  seats. 

"Gentlemen,"  said  he,  with  military  austerity, 
"  the  quality  and  condition  of  your  cattle  places 
them  beyond  our  consideration.  Beef  intended  for 
delivery  at  this  post  must  arrive  here  with  sufficient 
flesh  to  withstand  the  rigors  of  our  winter.  When 
possible  to  secure  them,  we  prefer  Northern  win 
tered  cattle,  but  if  they  are  not  available,  and  we 
are  compelled  to  receive  Southern  ones,  they  must 
be  of  the  first  quality  in  conformation  and  flesh. 


A   SOLDIER'S   HONOR  337 

It  now  becomes  my  duty  to  say  to  you  that  your 
beeves  are  rough,  have  been  over-driven,  are  ten 
der-footed  and  otherwise  abused,  and,  having  in 
view  the  best  interests  of  the  service,  with  the  con 
currence  of  my  associates,  I  decline  them." 

The  decision  was  rendered  amid  breathless  si 
lence.  Not  a  word  of  exultation  escaped  one  of 
our  party,  but  the  nervous  strain  rather  intensified. 

Mr.  Y ,  the  congressman,  made  the  first 

move.  Quietly  alighting  from  the  vehicle,  he  held 
a  whispered  conversation  with  his  associates,  very 
composedly  turned  to  the  commandant,  and  said : 

"  No  doubt  you  are  aware  that  there  are  higher 
authorities  than  the  post  commander  and  quarter 
master  of  Fort  Buford.  This  higher  court  to  which 
I  refer  saw  fit  to  award  a  contract  for  five  million 
pounds  of  beef  to  be  delivered  at  this  post  on  foot. 
Any  stipulations  inserted  or  omitted  in  that  article, 
the  customary  usages  of  the  War  Department  would 
govern.  If  you  will  kindly  look  at  the  original 
contract,  a  copy  of  which  is  in  your  possession,  you 
will  notice  that  nothing  is  said  about  the  quality  of 
the  cattle,  just  so  the  pounds  avoirdupois  are  there. 
The  government  does  not  presume,  when  contract 
ing  for  Texas  cattle,  that  they  will  arrive  here  in 
perfect  order ;  but  so  long  as  the  sex,  age,  and 
weight  have  been  complied  with,  there  can  be  no 
evasion  of  the  contract.  My  clients  are  sub-con 
tractors,  under  an  assignment  of  the  original  award, 
are  acting  in  good  faith  in  making  this  tender,  and 


338  THE   OUTLET 

if  your  decision  is  against  them,  we  will  make  an 
appeal  to  the  War  Department.  I  am  not  presuming 
to  tell  you  your  duty,  but  trust  you  will  take  this 
matter  under  full  advisement  before  making  your 
decision  final." 

"  Mr.  Y ,  I  have  received  cattle  before  with 
out  any  legal  advice  or  interference  of  higher  au 
thority.  Although  you  have  ignored  his  presence, 
there  is  another  man  here  with  a  tender  of  beef  who 
is  entitled  to  more  than  passing  consideration.  He 
holds  a  sub-contract  under  the  original  award,  and 
there  is  no  doubt  but  he  is  also  acting  in  good  faith. 
My  first  concern  as  a  receiving  agent  of  this  gov 
ernment  is  that  the  goods  tendered  must  be  of  the 
first  quality.  Your  cattle  fall  below  our  established 
standards  here,  while  his  will  take  rank  as  the  finest 
lot  of  beeves  ever  tendered  at  this  post,  and  there 
fore  he  is  entitled  to  the  award.  I  am  not  going  to 
stand  on  any  technicalities  as  to  who  is  legally  enti 
tled  to  make  this  delivery;  there  have  been  charges 
and  counter-charges  which  have  reached  me,  the 
justice  of  which  I  cannot  pass  on,  but  with  the  cat 
tle  it  is  quite  different.  I  lack  but  five  years  of 
being  retired  on  my  rank,  the  greater  portion  of 
which  service  has  been  spent  on  this  frontier,  and 
I  feel  justified  in  the  decision  made.  The  govern 
ment  buys  the  best,  insists  on  its  receiving  agents 
demanding  the  same,  and  what  few  remaining  years 
I  serve  the  flag,  there  will  be  no  change  in  my 
policy." 


A  SOLDIER'S   HONOR  339 

There  was  a  hurried  conference.  The  "major- 
domo  "  was  called  into  the  consultation,  after  which 
the  congressman  returned  to  the  attack. 

"  Colonel,  you  are  forcing  us  to  make  a  protest 
to  the  War  Department.  As  commander  at  Fort 
Buford,  what  right  have  you  to  consider  the  tender 
of  any  Tom,  Dick,  or  Harry  who  may  have  cattle 
to  sell?  Armed  with  an  assignment  of  the  original 
award,  we  have  tendered  you  the  pounds  quantity 
required  by  the  existing  contract,  have  insisted  on 
the  acceptance  of  the  same,  and  if  refused,  our 
protest  will  be  in  the  War  Office  before  that  sun 
sets.  Now,  my  advice  is  —  " 

"  I  don't  give  a  damn  for  you  nor  your  advice. 
My  reputation  as  a  soldier  is  all  I  possess,  and  no 
man  can  dictate  to  nor  intimidate  me.  My  past 
record  is  an  ^open  book  and  one  which  I  am  proud 
of ;  and  while  I  have  the  honor  to  command  at  Fort 
Buford,  no  threats  can  terrify  nor  cause  me  to  devi 
ate  from  my  duty.  Captain  O'Neill,  attend  orders 
and  escort  these  vehicles  back  to  their  quarters." 

The  escort  loosened  out,  the  conveyances  started, 
and  the  inspection  was  over.  We  were  a  quiet 
crowd,  though  inwardly  we  all  felt  like  shouting. 
We  held  apart  from  the  military  party,  and  when 
near  the  herd  which  held  the  "  Circle  Dot "  steers, 
my  brother  and  a  number  of  the  boys  galloped  on 
ahead  and  cut  out  the  animals  before  our  arrival. 
On  entering  the  wagon-road  near  the  post,  the 
military  cavalcade  halted  a  moment  for  us  to  come 


340  THE   OUTLET 

up.  Lovell  was  in  the  lead,  and  as  we  halted  the 
commandant  said  to  him  :  "  We  have  decided  to 
receive  your  cattle  in  the  morning  —  about  ten 
o'clock  if  that  hour  will  be  convenient.  I  may  not 
come  over,  but  the  quartermaster's  Mr.  Sanders 
will  count  for  us,  and  you  cowmen  ought  to  agree 
on  the  numbers.  We  have  delayed  you  a  day,  and 
if  you  will  put  in  a  bill  for  demurrage,  I  will  ap 
prove  it.  I  believe  that  is  all.  We  '11  expect  you 
to  spend  the  night  with  us  at  the  post.  I  thought 
it  best  to  advise  you  now,  so  that  you  might  give 
your  men  any  final  orders." 


CHAPTER  XXIII 
KANGAROOED 

LOVELL  and  his  attorneys  joined  the  cavalcade 
which  returned  to  the  post,  while  we  continued  on 
south,  fording  the  Missouri  above  Forrest's  camp. 
The  two  recovered  beeves  were  recognized  by  their 
ranch  brands  as  belonging  in  Bee  County,  thus 
identifying  them  as  having  escaped  from  Bob 
Quirk's  herd,  though  he  had  previously  denied  all 
knowledge  of  them.  The  cattle  world  was  a  small 
one,  and  it  mattered  little  where  an  animal  roamed, 
there  was  always  a  man  near  by  who  could  identify 
the  brand  and  give  the  bovine's  past  history.  With 
the  prospects  bright  for  a  new  owner  on  the  mor 
row,  these  two  wayfarers  found  lodgment  among 
our  own  for  the  night. 

But  when  another  day  dawned,  it  brought  new 
complications.  Instead  of  the  early  arrival  of  any 
receiving  party,  the  appointed  hour  passed,  noon 
came,  and  no  one  appeared.  I  had  ridden  down  to 
the  lower  camps  about  the  latter  hour,  yet  there 
was  no  one  who  could  explain,  neither  had  any 
word  from  the  post  reached  Forrest's  wagon. 
Sponsilier  suggested  that  we  ride  into  Buford,  and 
accordingly  all  three  of  us  foremen  started.  When 


342  THE   OUTLET 

we  sighted  the  ford  on  the  Missouri,  a  trio  of  horse 
men  were  just  emerging  from  the  water,  and  we 
soon  were  in  possession  of  the  facts.  Sanders,  my 
brother,  and  Mike  Button  composed  the  party,  and 
the  latter  explained  the  situation.  Orders  from  the 
War  Department  had  reached  Fort  Buford  that 
morning,  temporarily  suspending  the  post  com 
mander  and  his  quartermaster  from  receiving  any 
cattle  intended  for  that  post,  and  giving  notice  that 
a  special  commissioner  was  then  en  route  from  Min 
neapolis  with  full  authority  in  the  premises.  The 
order  was  signed  by  the  first  quartermaster  and 
approved  by  the  head  of  that  department ;  there 
was  no  going  behind  it,  which  further  showed  the 
strength  that  the  opposition  were  able  to  command. 
The  little  attorney  was  wearing  his  war-paint,  and 
we  all  dismounted,  when  Sanders  volunteered  some 
valuable  points  on  the  wintering  of  Texas  cattle  in 
the  North.  Sutton  made  a  memorandum  of  the 
data,  saying  if  opportunity  offered  he  would  like 
to  submit  it  in  evidence  at  the  final  hearing.  The 
general  opinion  was- that  a  court  of  inquiry  would 
be  instituted,  and  if  such  was  the  case,  our  cause 
was  not  by  any  means  hopeless. 

"  The  chances  are  that  the  opposition  will  centre 
the  fight  on  an  assignment  of  the  original  contract 
which  they  claim  to  hold,"  said  the  lawyer,  in  con 
clusion.  "  The  point  was  advanced  yesterday  that 
we  were  intruders,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
government  was  in  honor  bound  to  recognize  its 


KANGAROOED  343 

outstanding  obligation,  no  matter  in  whose  hands 
it  was  presented,  so  long  as  it  was  accompanied  by 
the  proper  tender.  A  great  deal  will  depend  on 
the  viewpoint  of  this  special  commissioner ;  he  may 
be  a  stickler  for  red  tape,  with  no  concern  for  the 
service,  as  were  the  post  commander  and  quarter 
master.  Their  possession  of  the  original  document 
will  be  self-evident,  and  it  will  devolve  on  us  to 
show  that  that  assignment  was  illegal.  This  may 
not  be  as  easy  as  it  seems,  for  the  chances  are  that 
there  may  be  a  dozen  men  in  the  gang,  with  nu 
merous  stool-pigeons  ready  and  willing  to  do  their 
bidding.  This  contract  may  demonstrate  the  pos 
sibility  of  a  ring  within  a  ring,  with  everything 
working  to  the  same  end.  The  absence  of  Honest 
John  Griscom  at  this  delivery  is  significant  as  prov 
ing  that  his  presence  at  Dodge  and  Ogalalla  was 
a  mistake.  You  notice,  with  the  exception  of  Field 
and  Radcliff,  they  are  all  new  men.  Well,  another 
day  will  tell  the  story." 

The  special  commissioner  could  not  arrive  before 
the  next  morning.  An  ambulance,  with  relay 
teams,  had  left  the  post  at  daybreak  for  Glendive, 
and  would  return  that  night.  Since  the  following 
promised  to  be  a  decisive  day,  we  were  requested 
to  bring  every  available  man  and  report  at  Fort 
Buford  at  an  early  hour.  The  trio  returned  to  the 
post  and  we  foremen  to  our  herds.  My  outfit  re 
ceived  the  news  in  anything  but  a  cheerful  mood. 
The  monotony  of  the  long  drive  had  made  the  men 


344  THE   OUTLET 

restless,  and  the  delay  of  a  single  day  in  being 
finally  relieved,  when  looked  forward  to,  was  doubly 
exasperating.  It  had  been  over  six  months  since 
we  left  the  ranch  in  Medina,  and  there  was  a  lurk 
ing  suspicion  among  a  number  of  the  boys  that 
the  final  decision  would  be  against  our  cattle  and 
that  they  would  be  thrown  back  on  our  hands. 
There  was  a  general  anxiety  among  us  to  go  home, 
hastened  by  the  recent  frosty  nights  and  a  common 
fear  of  a  Northern  climate.  I  tried  to  stem  this 
feeling,  promising  a  holiday  on  the  morrow  and  as 
suring  every  one  that  we  still  had  a  fighting  chance. 
We  reached  the  post  at  a  timely  hour  the  next 
morning.  Only  three  men  were  left  with  each  herd, 
my  wrangler  and  cook  accompanying  us  for  the  day. 
Parent  held  forth  with  quite  a  dissertation  on  the 
legal  aspects  of  the  case,  and  after  we  forded  the 
river,  an  argument  arose  between  him  and  Jake 
Blair.  "  Don't  talk  to  me  about  what 's  legal  and 
what  isn't,"  said  the  latter;  "the  man  with  the 
pull  generally  gets  all  that  he  goes  after.  You  re 
member  the  Indian  and  the  white  man  were  at  a 
loss  to  know  how  to  divide  the  turkey  and  the  buz 
zard,  but  in  the  end  poor  Lo  got  the  buzzard.  And 
if  you  '11  just  pay  a  little  more  attention  to  human 
ity,  you  may  notice  that  the  legal  aspects  don't  cut 
so  much  figure  as  you  thought  they  did.  The 
moment  that  cattle  declined  five  to  seven  dollars 
a  head,  The  Western  Supply  Company  didn't 
trouble  themselves  as  to  the  legality  or  the  right 


KANGAROOED  345 

or  wrong,  but  proceeded  to  take  advantage  of  the 
situation  at  once.  Neal,  when  you  've  lived  about 
twenty-five  years  on  the  cold  charity  of  strangers, 
you  '11  get  over  that  blind  confidence  and  become 
wary  and  cunning.  It  might  be  a  good  idea  to  keep 
your  eye  open  to-day  for  your  first  lesson.  Anyhow 
don't  rely  too  strong  on  the  right  or  justice  of  any 
thing,  but  keep  a  good  horse  on  picket  and  your 
powder  dry." 

The  commissioner  had  arrived  early  that  morning 
and  would  take  up  matters  at  once.  Nine  o'clock 
was  set  for  the  hearing,  which  would  take  place  in 
the  quartermaster's  office.  Consultations  were  being 
held  among  the  two  factions,  and  the  only  ray  of 
light  was  the  reported  frigidity  of  the  special  offi 
cer.  He  was  such  a  superior  personage  that  ordi 
nary  mortals  felt  a  chill  radiating  from  his  person 
on  their  slightest  approach.  His  credentials  were 
from  the  War  Department  and  were  such  as  to  leave 
no  doubt  but  that  he  was  the  autocrat  of  the  situ 
ation,  before  whom  all  should  render  homage.  A 
rigid  military  air  prevailed  about  the  post  and 
grounds,  quite  out  of  the  ordinary,  while  the  offi 
cers'  bar  was  empty  and  silent. 

The  quartermaster's  office  would  comfortably 
accommodate  about  one  hundred  persons.  Fort 
Buford  had  been  rebuilt  in  1871,  the  adobe  build 
ings  giving  place  to  frame  structures,  and  the  room 
in  which  the  hearing  was  to  be  held  was  not  only  com 
modious  but  furnished  with  good  taste.  Promptly 


346  THE  OUTLET 

on  the  stroke  of  the  hour,  and  escorted  by  the  post 
adjutant,  the  grand  mogul  made  his  appearance. 
There  was  nothing  striking  about  him,  except  his 
military  bearing ;  he  was  rather  young  and  walked 
so  erect  that  he  actually  leaned  backward  a  trifle. 
There  was  no  prelude;  he  ordered  certain  tables 
rearranged,  seated  himself  at  one,  and  called  for 
a  copy  of  the  original  contract.  The  post  adjutant 
had  all  the  papers  covering  the  situation  in  hand, 
and  the  copy  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the 
special  commissioner,  who  merely  glanced  at  the 
names  of  the  contracting  parties,  amount  and  date, 
and  handed  the  document  back.  Turning  to  the 
table  at  which  Lovell  and  his  attorneys  sat,  he 
asked  for  the  credentials  under  which  they  were 
tendering  beeves  at  Fort  Buford.  The  sub-con 
tract  was  produced,  some  slight  memorandum  was 
made,  and  it  was  passed  back  as  readily  as  was 
the  original.  The  opposition  were  calmly  awaiting 
a  similar  request,  and  when  it  came,  in  offering  the 
papers,  Congressman  Y took  occasion  to  re 
mark  :  "  Our  tender  is  not  only  on  a  sub-contract, 
but  that  agreement  is  fortified  by  an  assignment  of 
the  original  award,  by  and  between  the  War  De 
partment  and  The  Western  Supply  Company.  We 
rely  on  the  latter ;  you  will  find  everything  regular." 
The  customary  glance  was  given  the  bulky  docu 
ments.  Senator  Aspgrain  was  awaiting  the  oppor 
tune  moment  to  attack  the  assignment.  When  it 
came,  the  senator  arose  with  dignity  and,  address- 


KANGAROOED  347 

ing  the  commissioner,  attempted  to  enter  a  protest, 
but  was  instantly  stopped  by  that  high  functionary. 
A  frozen  silence  pervaded  the  room.  "  There  is  no 
occasion  for  any  remarks  in  this  matter,"  austerely 
replied  the  government  specialist.  "Our  depart 
ment  regularly  awarded  the  beef  contract  for  this 
post  to  The  Western  Supply  Company.  There  was 
ample  competition  on  the  award,  insuring  the  gov 
ernment  against  exorbitant  prices,  and  the  required 
bonds  were  furnished  for  the  fulfillment  of  the  con 
tract.  Right  then  and  there  all  interest  upon  the 
part  of  the  grantor  ceased  until  the  tender  was 
made  at  this  post  on  the  appointed  day  of  delivery. 
In  the  interim,  however,  it  seems  that  for  reasons 
purely  their  own,  the  grantees  saw  fit  to  sub-let 
their  contract,  not  once  but  twice.  Our  department 
amply  protected  themselves  by  requiring  bonds,  and 
the  sub-contractors  should  have  done  the  same. 
That,  however,  is  not  the  matter  at  issue,  but  who 
is  entitled  to  deliver  on  the  original  award.  Fortu 
nately  that  point  is  beyond  question ;  an  assignment 
of  the  original  has  always  been  recognized  at  the 
War  Office,  and  in  this  case  the  holders  of  the  same 
are  declared  entitled  to  deliver.  There  is  only  one 
provision,  —  does  the  article  of  beef  tendered  qual 
ify  under  the  specifications  ?  That  is  the  only  ques 
tion  before  making  this  decision  final.  If  there  is 
any  evidence  to  the  contrary,  I  am  ready  to  hear  it." 
This  afforded  the  opportunity  of  using  Sanders 
as  a  witness,  and  Sutton  grasped  the  opportunity 


348  THE   OUTLET 

of  calling  him  to  testify  in  regard  to  wintering 
Southern  cattle  in  the  North.  After  stating  his 
qualifications  as  a  citizen  and  present  occupation, 
he  was  asked  by  the  commissioner  regarding  his 
experience  with  cattle  to  entitle  his  testimony  to 
consideration.  "  I  was  born  to  the  occupation  in 
Texas,"  replied  the  witness.  "  Five  years  ago  this 
summer  I  came  with  beef  cattle  from  Uvalde 
County,  that  State,  to  this  post,  and  after  the  de 
livery,  accepted  a  situation  under  the  quartermaster 
here  in  locating  and  holding  the  government's 
beeves.  At  present  I  am  foreman  and  have  charge 
of  all  cattle  delivered  at  or  issued  from  this  post. 
I  have  had  five  years'  experience  in  wintering 
Texas  cattle  in  this  vicinity,  and  have  no  hesi 
tancy  in  saying  that  it  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost 
importance  that  steers  should  be  in  the  best  pos 
sible  flesh  to  withstand  our  winters.  The  losses 
during  the  most  favorable  seasons  have  averaged 
from  one  to  five  per  cent.,  while  the  same  cattle 
in  a  severe  season  will  lose  from  ten  to  twenty-five, 
all  depending  on  the  condition  of  the  stock  with  the 
beginning  of  cold  weather.  Since  my  connection 
with  this  post  we  have  always  received  good  steers, 
and  our  losses  have  been  light,  but  above  and  below 
this  military  reservation  the  per  cent,  loss  has  run 
as  high  as  fifty  among  thin,  weak  animals." 

"  Now,  Mr.  Sanders,"  said  the  special  commis 
sioner,  "  as  an  expert,  you  are  testifying  as  to  the 
probable  loss  to  the  government  in  this  locality  in 


KANGAROOED  349 

buying  and  holding  beef  on  its  own  account.  You 
may  now  state  if  you  have  seen  the  tender  of  beef 
made  by  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.,  and  if  so,  anticipat 
ing  the  worst,  what  would  be  the  probable  loss  if 
their  cattle  were  accepted  on  this  year's  delivery  ?  " 

"  I  was  present  at  their  inspection  by  the  offi 
cers  of  this  post,"  replied  the  witness,  "  and  have 
no  hesitancy  in  saying  that  should  the  coming  one 
prove  as  hard  a  winter  as  '82  was,  there  would  be 
a  loss  of  fully  one  half  these  cattle.  At  least  that 
was  my  opinion  as  expressed  to  the  post  commander 
and  quartermaster  at  the  inspection,  and  they 
agreed  with  me.  There  are  half  a  dozen  other 
boys  here  whose  views  on  wintering  cattle  can  be 
had  —  and  they're  worth  listening  to." 

This  testimony  was  the  brutal  truth,  and  though 
eternal,  was  sadly  out  of  place.  The  opposition 
lawyers  winced ;  and  when  Button  asked  if  permis 
sion  would  be  given  to  hear  the  testimony  of  the 
post  commander  and  quartermaster,  both  familiar 
with  the  quality  of  cattle  the  government  had  been 
receiving  for  years,  the  commissioner,  having  ad 
mitted  damaging  testimony,  objected  on  the  ground 
that  they  were  under  suspension,  and  military  men 
were  not  considered  specialists  outside  their  own 
vocation.  Other  competent  witnesses  were  offered 
and  objected  to,  simply  because  they  would  not 
admit  they  were  experts.  Taking  advantage  of  the 

opening,  Congressman  Y called  attention  to 

a  few  facts  in  passing.  This  unfortunate  situation, 


350  THE  OUTLET 

he  said,  in  substance,  was  deeply  regretted  by  his 
clients  and  himself.  The  War  Department  was  to 
be  warmly  commended  for  sending  a  special  com 
missioner  to  hear  the  matter  at  issue,  otherwise  un 
just  charges  might  have  been  preferred  against  old 
and  honored  officers  in  the  service.  However,  if 
specialists  were  to  be  called  to  testify,  and  their 
testimony  considered,  as  to  what  per  cent,  of  cattle 
would  survive  a  winter,  why  not  call  on  the  weather 
prophets  to  testify  just  what  the  coming  one  would 
be?  He  ridiculed  the  attestations  of  Sanders  as 
irrelevant,  defiantly  asserting  that  the  only  ques 
tion  at  issue  was,  were  there  five  million  pounds  of 
dressed  beef  in  the  tender  of  cattle  by  Field,  Rad- 
cliff  &  Co.  He  insisted  on  the  letter  in  the  bond 
being  observed.  The  government  bought  cattle  one 
year  with  another,  and  assumed  risks  as  did  other 
people.  Was  there  any  man  present  to  challenge 
his  assertion  that  the  pounds  quantity  had  been 
tendered  ? 

There  was.  Don  Lovell  arose,  and  addressing  the 
special  commissioner,  said :  "  Sir,  I  am  not  giving 
my  opinion  as  an  expert  but  as  a  practical  cowman. 
If  the  testimony  of  one  who  has  delivered  over 
ninety  thousand  cattle  to  this  government,  in  its 
army  and  Indian  departments,  is  of  any  service  to 
you,  I  trust  you  will  hear  me  patiently.  No  excep 
tion  is  taken  to  your  ruling  as  to  who  is  entitled  to 
deliver  on  the  existing  award ;  that  was  expected 
from  the  first.  I  have  been  contracting  beef  to  this 


KANGAROOED  351 

government  for  the  past  fifteen  years,  and  there 
may  be  tricks  in  the  trade  of  which  I  am  ignorant. 
The  army  has  always  demanded  the  best,  while 
lower  grades  have  always  been  acceptable  to  the 
Indian  Department.  But  in  all  my  experience,  I 
have  never  tendered  this  government  for  its  gut- 
eating  wards  as  poor  a  lot  of  cattle  as  I  am  satisfied 
that  you  are  going  to  receive  at  the  hands  of  Field, 
Radcliff  &  Co.  I  accept  the  challenge  that  there 
are  not  five  million  pounds  of  dressed  beef  in  their 
tender  to-day,  and  what  there  is  would  be  a  disgrace 
to  any  commonwealth  to  feed  its  convicts.  True, 
these  cattle  are  not  intended  for  immediate  use,  and 
I  make  the  counter-assertion  that  this  government 
will  never  kill  out  fifty  per  cent,  of  the  weight  that 
you  accept  to-day.  Possibly  you  prefer  the  bland 
ishments  of  a  lobbyist  to  the  opinion  of  a  practical 
cowman  like  Sanders.  That 's  your  privilege.  You 
refuse  to  allow  us  to  show  the  relationship  between 
The  Western  Supply  Company  and  the  present 
holders  of  its  assignment,  and  in  doing  so  I  charge 
you  with  being  in  collusion  with  these  contractors 
to  defraud  the  government !  " 

"  You  're  a  liar  !  "  shouted  Congressman  Y , 

jumping  to  his  feet.  The  only  reply  was  a  chair 
hurled  from  the  hand  of  Sutton  at  the  head  of  the 
offender,  instantly  followed  by  a  rough  house.  Sev 
eral  officers  present  sprang  to  the  side  of  the  special 
commissioner,  but  fortunately  refrained  from  draw 
ing  revolvers.  I  was  standing  at  some  distance 


352  THE   OUTLET 

from  the  table,  and  as  I  made  a  lunge  forward,  old 
man  Don  was  hurled  backward  into  my  arms.  He 
could  not  whip  a  sick  chicken,  yet  his  uncontrollable 
anger  had  carried  him  into  the  general  melee  and 
he  had  been  roughly  thrown  out  by  some  of  his  own 
men.  They  did  n't  want  him  in  the  fight ;  they 
could  do  all  that  was  necessary.  A  number  of 
soldiers  were  present,  and  while  the  officers  were 
frantically  commanding  them  to  restore  order,  the 
scrap  went  merrily  on.  Old  man  Don  struggled 
with  might  and  main,  cursing  me  for  refusing  to 
free  him,  and  when  one  of  the  contractors  was 
knocked  down  within  easy  reach,  I  was  half  tempted 
to  turn  him  loose.  The  "  major-domo  "  had  singled 
out  Sponsilier  and  was  trying  issues  with  him,  Bob 
Quirk  was  dropping  them  right  and  left,  when  the 
deposed  commandant  sprang  upon  a  table,  and  in 
a  voice  like  the  hiss  of  an  adder,  commanded  peace, 
and  the  disorder  instantly  ceased. 

The  row  had  lasted  only  a  few  seconds.  The 
opposing  sides  stood  glaring  daggers  at  each  other, 
when  the  commissioner  took  occasion  to  administer 
a  reproof  to  all  parties  concerned,  referring  to  Texas 
in  not  very  complimentary  terms.  Dave  Sponsilier 
was  the  only  one  who  had  the  temerity  to  offer  any 
reply,  saying,  "  Mr.  Yank,  I  '11  give  you  one  hun 
dred  dollars  if  you  '11  point  me  out  the  grave  of 
a  man,  woman,  or  child  who  starved  to  death  in 
that  state." 

A  short  recess  was  taken,  after  which  apologies 


KANGAROOED  353 

followed,  and  the  commissioner  resumed  the  hear 
ing.  A  Western  lawyer,  named  Lemeraux,  made  a 
very  plausible  plea  for  the  immediate  acceptance  of 
the  tender  of  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.  He  admitted 
that  the  cattle,  at  present,  were  not  in  as  good  flesh 
as  his  clients  expected  to  offer  them  ;  that  they  had 
left  the  Platte  River  in  fine  condition,  but  had  been 
twice  quarantined  en  route.  He  was  cautious  in  his 
remarks,  but  clearly  intimated  that  had  there  been 
no  other  cattle  in  competition  for  delivery  on  this 
award,  there  might  have  been  no  quarantine.  In  his 
insinuations  the  fact  was  adroitly  brought  out  that 
the  isolation  of  their  herds,  if  not  directly  charge 
able  to  Lovell  and  his  men,  had  been  aided  and 
abetted  by  them,  retarding  the  progress  of  his 
clients'  beeves  and  forcing  them  to  travel  as  fast 
as  twenty-five  miles  a  day,  so  that  they  arrived  in 
a  jaded  condition.  Had  there  been  no  interference, 
the  tender  of  Field,  Radcliff  &  Co.  would  have 
reached  this  post  ten  days  earlier,  and  rest  would 
soon  have  restored  the  cattle  to  their  normal  condi 
tion.  In  concluding,  he  boldly  made  the  assertion 
that  the  condition  of  his  client's  tender  of  beef  was 
the  result  of  a  conspiracy  to  injure  one  firm,  that 
another  drover  might  profit  thereby ;  that  right 
and  justice  could  be  conserved  only  by  immediately 
making  the  decision  final,  and  thus  fearlessly 
silencing  any  and  all  imputations  reflecting  on  the 
character  of  this  government's  trusted  represent 
atives. 


354  THE   OUTLET 

The  special  commissioner  assumed  an  air  of  af 
fected  dignity  and  announced  that  a  conclusion 
had  been  arrived  at.  Turning  to  old  man  Don,  he 
expressed  the  deepest  regret  that  a  civilian  was  be 
yond  his  power  to  punish,  otherwise  he  would  have 
cause  to  remember  the  affront  offered  himself ;  not 
that  he  personally  cared,  but  the  department  of 
government  which  he  had  the  honor  to  serve  was 
jealous  of  its  good  name.  Under  the  circumstances 
he  could  only  warn  him  to  be  more  guarded  here 
after  in  choosing  his  language,  and  assured  Lovell 
that  it  was  in  his  power  to  escort  any  offender  off 
that  military  reservation.  Pausing  a  moment,  he 
resumed  a  judicial  air,  and  summed  up  the  situa 
tion  : 

"  There  was  no  occasion,"  said  he,  in  an  amiable 
mood,  "  to  refer  this  incident  to  the  War  Depart 
ment  if  the  authorities  here  had  gone  about  their 
work  properly.  Fortunately  I  was  in  Minneapolis 
adjusting  some  flour  accounts,  when  I  was  ordered 
here  by  the  quartermaster-general.  Instead  of  at 
tempting  to  decide  who  had  the  best  tender  of  cattle, 
the  one  with  the  legal  right  alone  should  have  been 
considered.  Our  department  is  perfectly  familiar 
with  these  petty  jealousies,  which  usually  accom 
pany  awards  of  this  class,  and  generally  emanate 
from  disappointed  and  disgruntled  competitors. 
The  point  is  well  taken  by  counsel  that  the  govern 
ment  does  not  anticipate  the  unforeseen,  and  it 
matters  not  what  the  loss  may  be  from  the  rigors 


KANGAROOED  355 

of  winter,  the  contractor  is  exempt  after  the  day  of 
delivery.  If  the  cattle  were  delayed  en  route,  as 
has  been  asserted,  and  it  was  necessary  to  make 
forced  drives  in  order  to  reach  here  within  the 
specified  time,  all  this  should  be  taken  into  consid 
eration  in  arriving  at  a  final  conclusion.  On  his 
reinstatement,  I  shall  give  the  quartermaster  of 
this  post  instructions,  in  receiving  these  cattle,  to 
be  governed,  not  so  much  by  their  present  condi 
tion  as  by  what  they  would  have  been  had  there 
been  no  interference.  Now  in  behalf  of  the  War 
Department,  I  declare  the  award  to  The  Western 
Supply  Company,  and  assigned  to  Field,  Radcliff, 
and  associates,  to  have  been  fulfilled  to  the  satis 
faction  of  all  parties  concerned.  This  closes  the 
incident,  and  if  there  is  nothing  further,  the  in 
quiry  will  stand  adjourned  without  date." 

"  One  moment,  if  you  please,"  said  Don  Lovell, 
addressing  the  commissioner  and  contractors ; 
"  there  is  a  private  matter  existing  between  Field, 
Radcliff  &  Co.  and  myself  which  demands  an 
understanding  between  us.  I  hold  a  sum  of 
money,  belonging  to  them,  as  indemnity  against 
loss  in  driving  ten  thousand  cattle  from  Southern 
Texas  to  this  post.  That  I  will  sustain  a  heavy 
loss,  under  your  decision,  is  beyond  question.  I 
am  indemnified  to  the  amount  of  about  six  dollars 
and  a  half  a  head,  and  since  the  government  is 
exempt  from  garnishment  and  the  contractors  are 
wholly  irresponsible,  I  must  content  myself  with 


356  THE  OUTLET 

the  money  in  hand.  To  recover  this  amount,  held 
as  indemnity,  suit  has  been  threatened  against  me. 
Of  course  I  can't  force  their  hands,  but  I  sincerely 
hope  they  will  feel  exultant  enough  over  your  kan 
garoo  decision  to  file  their  action  before  taking 
their  usual  outing  in  Europe.  They  will  have  no 
trouble  in  securing  my  legal  address,  my  rating  can 
be  obtained  from  any  commercial  agency,  and  no 
doubt  their  attorneys  are  aware  of  the  statute  of 
limitation  in  my  state.  I  believe  that 's  all,  except 
to  extend  my  thanks  to  every  one  about  Fort  Buford 
for  the  many  kind  attentions  shown  my  counsel,  my 
boys,  and  myself.  To  my  enemies,  I  can  only  say 
that  I  hope  to  meet  them  on  Texas  soil,  and  will 
promise  them  a  fairer  hearing  than  was  accorded 
me  here  to-day.  Mr.  Commissioner,  I  have  always 
prided  myself  on  being  a  good  citizen,  have  borne 
arms  in  defense  of  my  country,  and  in  taking 
exception  to  your  decision  I  brand  you  as  the 
most  despicable  member  of  The  Western  Supply 
Company.  Any  man  who  will  prostitute  a  trust 
for  a  money  consideration  —  " 

"  That 's  enough  !  "  shouted  the  special  commis 
sioner,  rising.  "  Orderly,  call  the  officer  of  the 
day,  and  tell  him  I  want  two  companies  of  cavalry 
to  furnish  an  escort  for  this  man  and  his  herds  be 
yond  the  boundaries  of  this  military  reservation." 
Looking  Lovell  in  the  face,  he  said  :  "  You  have 
justly  merited  a  severe  punishment,  and  I  shall  re 
port  your  reflections  to  the  War  and  Indian  depart- 


KANGAROOED  357 

ments,  and  you  may  find  it  more  difficult  to  secure 
contracts  in  the  future.  One  of  you  officers  detail 
men  and  take  charge  of  this  man  until  the  escort 
is  ready.  The  inquiry  is  adjourned." 


CHAPTER  XXIV 
THE  WINTER  OF  OUR  DISCONTENT 

THE  inquiry  was  over  before  noon.  A  lieutenant 
detailed  a  few  men  and  made  a  pretense  of  taking 
possession  of  Lovell.  But  once  the  special  commis 
sioner  was  out  of  sight,  the  farce  was  turned  into 
an  ovation,  and  nearly  every  officer  in  the  post  came 
forward  and  extended  his  sympathy.  Old  man  Don 
was  visibly  affected  by  the  generous  manifestations 
of  the  military  men  in  general,  and  after  thank 
ing  each  one  personally,  urged  that  no  unnecessary 
demonstration  should  be  made,  begging  that  the 
order  of  escort  beyond  the  boundary  of  the  reser 
vation  be  countermanded.  No  one  present  cared 
to  suggest  it,  but  gave  assurance  that  it  would  be  so 
modified  as  not  in  any  way  to  interfere  with  the 
natural  movement  of  the  herds.  Some  little  time 
would  be  required  to  outfit  the  forage-wagons  to 
accommodate  the  cavalry  companies,  during  which 
my  brother  rode  up,  leading  Lovell's  horse,  per 
mission  was  given  to  leave  in  advance  of  the  escort, 
and  we  all  mounted  and  quietly  rode  away. 

The  sudden  turn  of  affairs  had  disconcerted  every 
man  in  the  three  outfits.  Just  what  the  next  move 
would  be  was  conjecture  with  most  of  us,  though 


THE  WINTER   OF   OUR   DISCONTENT    359 

every  lad  present  was  anxious  to  know.  But  when 
we  were  beyond  the  immediate  grounds,  Lovell 
turned  in  his  saddle  and  asked  which  one  of  us 
foremen  wanted  to  winter  in  the  North.  No  one 
volunteered,  and  old  man  Don  continued  :  "  Antici 
pating  the  worst,  I  had  a  long  talk  this  morning 
with  Sanders,  and  he  assured  me  that  our  cattle 
would  go  through  any  winter  without  serious  loss. 
He  suggested  the  Little  Missouri  as  a  good  range, 
and  told  me  of  a  hay  ranch  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Beaver.  If  it  can  be  bought  reasonably,  we  would 
have  forage  for  our  horses,  and  the  railroad  is  said 
to  be  not  over  forty  miles  to  the  south.  If  the 
government  can  afford  to  take  the  risk  of  wintering 
cattle  in  this  climate,  since  there  is  no  other  choice, 
I  reckon  I  '11  have  to  follow  suit.  Bob  and  I  will 
take  fresh  horses  and  ride  through  to  the  Beaver 
this  afternoon,  and  you  fellows  follow  up  leisurely 
with  the  cattle.  Sanders  says  the  winters  are  dry 
and  cold,  with  very  little  if  any  snowfall.  Well, 
we  're  simply  up  against  it ;  there 's  no  hope  of  sell 
ing  this  late  in  the  season,  and  nothing  is  left  us 
but  to  face  the  music  of  a  Northern  winter." 

As  we  turned  in  to  ford  the  Missouri,  some  one 
called  attention  to  a  cavalry  company  riding  out 
from  their  quarters  at  the  post.  We  halted  a 
moment,  and  as  the  first  one  entered  the  road,  the 
second  one  swung  into  view,  followed  by  forage- 
wagons.  From  maps  in  our  possession  we  knew  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  Fort  Buford  military 


360  THE   OUTLET 

reservation  must  be  under  twenty  miles  to  the  south, 
and  if  necessary,  we  could  put  it  behind  us  that 
afternoon.  But  after  crossing  the  river,  and  when 
the  two  troops  again  came  in  view,  they  had  dropped 
into  a  walk,  passing  entirely  out  of  sight  long  before 
we  reached  Forrest's  camp.  Orders  were  left  with 
the  latter  to  take  the  lead  and  make  a  short  drive 
that  evening,  at  least  far  enough  to  convince  ob 
servers  that  we  were  moving.  The  different  outfits 
dropped  out  as  their  wagons  were  reached,  and  when 
my  remuda  was  sighted,  old  man  Don  ordered  it 
brought  in  for  a  change  of  horses.  One  of  the  day- 
herders  was  at  camp  getting  dinner,  and  inviting 
themselves  to  join  him,  my  employer  and  my  brother 
helped  themselves  while  their  saddles  were  shifted 
to  two  of  my  well- rested  mounts.  Inquiry  had  been 
made  of  all  three  of  the  outfits  if  any  ranch  had 
been  sighted  on  the  Beaver  while  crossing  that 
creek,  but  the  only  recollection  among  the  forty-odd 
men  was  that  of  Burl  Van  Yedder,  who  contended 
that  a  dim  trail,  over  which  horses  had  passed  that 
summer,  ran  down  on  the  south  side  of  the  stream. 
With  this  meagre  information  Lovell  and  my 
brother  started.  A  late  dinner  over  and  the  herders 
relieved,  we  all  rode  for  the  nearest  eminence  which 
would  afford  us  a  view.  The  cavalry  were  just  go 
ing  into  camp  below  O'Brien's  ranch,  their  forage- 
train  in  sight,  while  Forrest's  cattle  were  well 
bunched  and  heading  south.  Sponsilier  was  evi 
dently  going  to  start,  as  his  team  was  tied  up  and 


THE  WINTER  OF   OUR   DISCONTENT    361 

the  saddle  stock  in  hand,  while  the  herd  was  cross 
ing  over  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  Yellowstone. 
We  dismounted  and  lay  around  for  an  hour  or  so, 
when  the  greater  portion  of  the  boys  left  to  help  in 
the  watering  of  our  herd,  the  remainder  of  us  doing 
outpost  duty.  Forrest  had  passed  out  of  sight, 
Sponsilier's  wagon  and  remuda  crossed  opposite  us, 
going  up  the  valley,  followed  by  his  cattle  in  loose 
grazing  order,  and  still  we  loitered  on  the  hill.  But 
towards  evening  I  rode  down  to  where  the  cavalry 
was  encamped,  and  before  I  had  conversed  very 
long  with  the  officers,  it  was  clear  to  me  that  the 
shorter  our  moves  the  longer  it  would  extend  their 
outing.  Before  I  left  the  soldier  camp,  Sanders 
arrived,  and  as  we  started  away  together,  I  sent  him 
back  to  tell  the  officers  to  let  me  know  any  time 
they  could  use  half  a  beef.  On  reaching  our  wagon, 
the  boys  were  just  corralling  the  saddle  stock  for 
their  night-horses,  when  Sanders  begged  me  to  sell 
him  two  which  had  caught  his  fancy.  I  dared  not 
offer  them  ;  but  remembering  the  fellow's  faithful 
service  in  our  behalf,  and  that  my  employer  ex 
pected  to  remember  him,  I  ordered  him  to  pick, 
with  Don  Lovell's  compliments,  any  horse  in  the 
remuda  as  a  present. 

The  proposition  stunned  Sanders,  but  I  insisted 
that  if  old  man  Don  was  there,  he  would  make  him 
take  something.  He  picked  a  good  horse  out  of  my 
mount  and  stayed  until  morning,  when  he  was  com 
pelled  to  return,  as  the  probabilities  were  that  they 


362  THE   OUTLET 

would  receive  the  other  cattle  some  time  during  the 
day.  After  breakfast,  and  as  he  was  starting  to 
return,  he  said,  "  Well,  boys,  tell  the  old  man  that 
I  don't  expect  ever  to  be  able  to  return  his  kind 
ness,  though  I'd  ride  a  thousand  miles  for  the 
chance.  One  thing  sure,  there  is  n't  a  man  in 
Dakota  who  has  money  enough  to  tempt  me  to  part 
with  my  pelon.  If  you  locate  down  on  the  Little 
Missouri,  drop  me  a  line  where  you  are  at,  and  if 
Lovell  wants  four  good  men,  I  can  let  him  have 
them  about  the  first  of  December.  You  through 
lads  are  liable  to  be  scared  over  the  coming  winter, 
and  a  few  acclimated  ones  will  put  backbone  in  his 
outfit.  And  tell  the  old  man  that  if  I  can  ever  do 
him  a  good  turn  just  to  snap  his  fingers  and  I  '11 
quit  the  government — he's  a  few  shades  whiter 
than  it,  anyhow." 

The  herd  had  already  left  the  bed-ground,  headed 
south.  About  five  miles  above  O'Brien's,  we  re- 
crossed  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  Yellowstone,  and 
for  the  next  three  days  moved  short  distances,  the 
military  always  camped  well  in  our  rear.  The  fourth 
morning  I  killed  a  beef,  a  for  age- wagon  came  for 
ward  and  took  half  of  it  back  to  the  cavalry  camp 
with  our  greetings  and  farewell,  and  we  parted 
company.  Don  Lovell  met  us  about  noon,  elated 
as  a  boy  over  his  purchase  of  the  hay  ranch.  My 
brother  had  gone  on  to  the  railroad  and  thence  by 
train  to  Miles  City  to  meet  his  remuda  and  outfit. 

"  Boys,  I  have  bought  you  a  new  home,"  was  the 


THE  WINTER  OF   OUR   DISCONTENT    363 

greeting  of  old  man  Don,  as  he  dismounted  at 
our  noon  camp.  "  There  's  a  comfortable  dugout, 
stabling  for  about  ten  horses,  and  seventy-five  tons 
of  good  hay  in  the  stack.  The  owner  was  homesick 
to  get  back  to  God's  country,  and  he  '11  give  us 
possession  in  ten  days.  Bob  will  be  in  Little  Mis 
souri  to-day  and  order  us  a  car  of  sacked  corn  from 
Omaha,  and  within  a  month  we  '11  be  as  snug  as 
they  are  down  in  old  Medina.  Bob's  outfit  will  go 
home  from  Miles,  and  if  he  can't  sell  his  remuda 
he  '11  bring  it  up  here.  Two  of  these  outfits  can 
start  back  in  a  few  days,  and  afterward  the  camp 
will  be  reduced  to  ten  men." 

Two  days  later  Forrest  veered  off  and  turned  his 
cattle  loose  below  the  junction  of  the  Beaver  with 
the  Little  Missouri.  Sponsilier  crossed  the  former, 
scattering  his  beeves  both  up  and  down  the  latter, 
while  I  cut  mine  into  a  dozen  bunches  and  likewise 
freed  them  along  the  creek.  The  range  was  about 
ten  miles  in  length  along  the  river,  and  a  camp 
was  established  at  either  end  where  men  would  be 
stationed  until  the  beeves  were  located.  The  com 
missaries  had  run  low,  there  was  a  quiet  rivalry  as 
to  which  outfits  should  go  home,  and  we  all  waited 
with  bated  breath  for  the  final  word.  I  had  Dorg 
Seay  secretly  inform  my  employer  that  I  had  given 
Sanders  a  horse  without  his  permission,  hoping  that 
it  might  displease  him.  But  the  others  pointed  out 
the  fact  that  my  outfit  had  far  the  best  remuda,  and 
that  it  would  require  well-mounted  men  to  locate 


364  THE   OUTLET 

and  hold  that  number  of  cattle  through  the  winter. 
Old  man  Don  listened  to  them  all,  and  the  next 
morning,  as  all  three  of  us  foremen  were  outlining 
certain  improvements  about  the  hay  ranch  with 
him,  he  turned  to  me  and  said : 

"  Tom,  I  hear  you  gave  Sanders  a  horse.  Well, 
that  was  all  right,  although  it  strikes  me  you  were 
rather  liberal  in  giving  him  the  pick  of  a  choice 
remuda.  But  it  may  all  come  right  in  the  long  run, 
as  Bob  and  I  have  decided  to  leave  you  and  your 
outfit  to  hold  these  cattle  this  winter.  So  divide 
your  men  and  send  half  of  them  down  to  Quince's 
camp,  and  have  your  cook  and  wrangler  come  over 
to  Dave's  wagon  to  bring  back  provision  and  the 
horses,  as  we  '11  start  for  the  railroad  in  the  morn 
ing.  I  may  not  come  back,  but  Bob  will,  and  he  '11 
see  that  you  are  well  fixed  for  the  winter  before  he 
goes  home.  After  he  leaves,  I  want  you  to  write  me 
every  chance  you  have  to  send  a  letter  to  the  rail 
road.  Now,  I  don't  want  any  grumbling  out  of  you 
or  your  men  ;  you  're  a  disgrace  to  the  state  that 
raised  you  if  you  can't  handle  cattle  anywhere  that 
any  other  man  can." 

I  felt  all  along  it  would  fall  to  me,  the  youngest 
of  six  foremen  ;  and  my  own  dear  brother  consign 
ing  me  to  a  winter  in  the  North,  while  he  would 
bask  in  the  sunshine  of  our  own  sunny  South !  It 
was  hard  to  face ;  but  I  remembered  that  the  fall 
before  it  had  been  my  lot  to  drive  a  thousand  saddle 
horses  home  to  the  ranch,  and  that  I  had  swaggered 


THE  WINTER  OF  OUR  DISCONTENT    365 

as  a  trail  foreman  afterward  as  the  result.  It  had 
always  been  my  luck  to  have  to  earn  every  little 
advance  or  promotion,  while  others  seemed  to  fall 
into  them  without  any  effort.  Bob  Quirk  never  saw 
the  day  that  he  was  half  the  all-round  cowman  that 
I  was ;  yet  he  was  above  me  and  could  advise,  and 
I  had  to  obey. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  September,  1884, 
the  two  outfits  started  for  the  railroad,  leaving  the 
remainder  of  us  in  a  country,  save  for  the  cattle,  so 
desolate  that  there  was  no  chance  even  to  spend  our 
wages.  I  committed  to  memory  a  curtain  lecture 
for  my  brother,  though  somehow  or  other  it  escaped 
me  and  was  never  delivered.  We  rode  lines  between 
the  upper  and  lower  wagons,  holding  the  cattle 
loosely  on  a  large  range.  A  delightful  fall  favored 
us,  and  before  the  first  squall  of  winter  came  on, 
the  beeves  had  contented  themselves  as  though  they 
had  been  born  on  the  Little  Missouri.  Meanwhile 
Bob's  wagon  and  remuda  arrived,  the  car  of  corn  was 
hauled  to  our  headquarters,  extra  stabling  was  built, 
and  we  settled  down  like  banished  exiles.  Commu 
nication  had  been  opened  with  Fort  Buford,  and  in 
the  latter  part  of  October  the  four  promised  men 
arrived,  when  Bob  Quirk  took  part  of  my  outfit  and 
went  home,  leaving  me  ten  men.  Parent  remained 
as  cook,  the  new  men  assimilated  easily,  a  fiddle  was 
secured,  and  in  fulfillment  of  the  assertion  of  San 
ders,  we  picked  up  courage.  Two  grain-fed  horses, 
carefully  stabled,  were  allowed  to  each  man,  the 


366  THE   OUTLET 

remainder  of  our  large  number  of  saddle  stock 
running  free  on  the  range. 

To  that  long  winter  on  the  Little  Missouri  a 
relentless  memory  turns  in  retrospect.  We  dressed 
and  lived  like  Eskimos.  The  first  blizzard  struck  us 
early  in  December,  the  thermometer  dropped  sixty 
degrees  in  twelve  hours,  but  in  the  absence  of  wind 
and  snow  the  cattle  did  not  leave  the  breaks  along 
the  river.  Three  weeks  later  a  second  one  came, 
and  we  could  not  catch  the  lead  animals  until  near 
the  railroad ;  but  the  storm  drove  them  up  the  Little 
Missouri,  and  its  sheltering  banks  helped  us  to 
check  our  worst  winter  drift.  After  the  first  month 
of  wintry  weather,  the  dread  of  the  cold  passed, 
and  men  and  horses  faced  the  work  as  though  it  was 
springtime  in  our  own  loved  southland.  The  months 
rolled  by  scarcely  noticed.  During  fine  weather 
Sanders  and  some  of  his  boys  twice  dropped  down 
for  a  few  days,  but  we  never  left  camp  except  to 
send  letters  home. 

An  early  spring  favored  us.  I  was  able  to  report 
less  than  one  per  cent,  loss  on  the  home  range,  with 
the  possibility  of  but  few  cattle  having  escaped  us 
during  the  winter.  The  latter  part  of  May  we  sold 
four  hundred  saddle  horses  to  some  men  from  the 
upper  Yellowstone.  Early  in  June  a  wagon  was 
rigged  out,  extra  men  employed,  and  an  outfit  sent 
two  hundred  miles  up  the  Little  Missouri  to  attend 
the  round-ups.  They  were  gone  a  month  and  came 
in  with  less  than  five  hundred  beeves,  which  repre- 


THE  FIRST   BLIZZARD   STRUCK   US    EARLY  IN   DECEMBER 


-THE  WINTER  OF  OUR  DISCONTENT    367 

sentod  our  winter  drift.  Don  Lovell  reached  the 
ranch  during  the  first  week  in  July.  One  day's 
ride  through  the  splendid  cattle,  and  old  man  Don 
lost  his  voice,  but  the  smile  refused  to  come  off. 
Everything  was  coming  his  way.  Field,  Radcliff 
&  Co.  had  sued  him,  and  the  jury  awarded  him  one 
hundred  thousand*dollars.  His  bankers  had  unlim 
ited  confidence  in  his  business  ability ;  he  had  four 
Indian  herds  on  the  trail  and  three  others  of 
younger  steers,  intended  for  the  Little  Missouri 
ranch.  Cattle  prices  in  Texas  had  depreciated 
nearly  one  half  since  the  spring  before  —  "a  good 
time  for  every  cowman  to  strain  his  credit  and 
enlarge  his  holdings,"  my  employer  assured  me. 

Orders  were  left  that  I  was  to  begin  shipping  out 
the  beeves  early  in  August.  It  was  the  intention 
to  ship  them  in  two  and  three  train-load  lots,  and 
I  was  expecting  to  run  a  double  outfit,  when  a  land 
slide  carne  our  way.  The  first  train-load  netted 
sixty  dollars  a  head  at  Omaha  —  but  they  were 
beeves  ;  cods  like  an  ox's  heart  and  waddled  as 
they  walked.  We  had  just  returned  from  the  rail 
road  with  the  intention  of  shipping  two  train-loads 
more,  when  the  quartermaster  and  Sanders  from 
Fort  Buford  rode  into  the  ranch  under  an  escort. 
The  government  had  lost  forty  per  cent,  of  the 
Field-Rad  cliff  cattle  during  the  winter  just  passed, 
and  were  in  the  market  to  buy  the  deficiency.  The 
quartermaster  wanted  a  thousand  beeves  on  the 
first  day  of  September  and  October  each,  and 


368  THE   OUTLET 

double  that  number  for  the  next  month.  Did  we 
care  to  sell  that  amount  ?  A  United  States  marshal, 
armed  with  a  search-warrant,  could  not  have  found 
Don  Lovell  in  a  month,  but  they  were  promptly 
assured  that  our  beef  steers  were  for  sale.  It  is  easy 
to  show  prime  cattle.  The  quartermaster,  Sanders, 
and  myself  rode  down  the  river,  crossed  over  and 
came  up  beyond  our  camp,  forded  back  and  came 
down  the  Beaver,  and  I  knew  the  sale  was  made. 
I  priced  the  beeves,  delivered  at  Buford,  at  sixty- 
five  dollars  a  head,  and  the  quartermaster  took 
them. 

Then  we  went  to  work  in  earnest.  Sanders  re 
mained  to  receive  the  first  contingent  for  Buford, 
which  would  leave  our  range  on  the  25th  of  each 
month.  A  single  round-up  and  we  had  the  beeves 
in  hand.  The  next  morning  after  Splann  left  for 
the  mouth  of  the  Yellowstone,  I  started  south  for 
the  railroad  with  two  train-loads  of  picked  cattle. 
Professional  shippers  took  them  off  our  hands  at 
the  station,  accompanied  them  en  route  to  market, 
and  the  commission  house  in  Omaha  knew  where 
to  remit  the  proceeds.  The  beef  shipping  season 
was  on  with  a  vengeance.  Our  saddle  stock  had 
improved  with  a  winter  in  the  North,  until  one  was 
equal  to  two  Southern  or  trail  horses.  Old  man 
Don  had  come  on  in  the  mean  time,  and  was  so 
pleased  with  my  sale  to  the  army  post  that  he 
returned  to  Little  Missouri  Station  at  once  and 
bought  two  herds  of  three-year-olds  at  Ogalalla  by 


THE  WINTER   OF   OUR   DISCONTENT    369 

wire.  This  made  sixteen  thousand  steer  cattle  en 
route  from  the  latter  point  for  Lovell's  new  ranch 
in  Dakota. 

"  Tom,"  said  old  man  Don,  enthusiastically, 
"  this  is  the  making  of  a  fine  cattle  ranch,  and  we 
want  to  get  in  on  the  flood-tide.  There  is  always 
a  natural  wealth  in  a  new  country,  and  the  gold 
mines  of  this  one  are  in  its  grass.  The  instinct  that 
taught  the  buffalo  to  choose  this  as  their  summer 
and  winter  range  was  unerring,  and  they  found  a 
grass  at  hand  that  would  sustain  them  in  any  and 
all  kinds  of  weather.  This  country  to-day  is  just 
what  Texas  was  thirty  years  ago.  All  the  early 
settlers  at  home  grew  rich  without  any  effort,  but 
once  the  cream  of  the  virgin  land  is  gone,  look  out 
for  a  change.  The  early  cowmen  of  Texas  flatter 
themselves  on  being  shrewd  and  far-seeing  —  just 
about  as  much  as  I  was  last  fall,  when  I  would 
gladly  have  lost  twenty -five  thousand  dollars  rather 
than  winter  these  cattle.  Now  look  where  I  will 
come  out,  all  due  to  the  primitive  wealth  of  the  land. 
From  sixty  to  sixty-five  dollars  a  head  beats  thirty- 
seven  and  a  half  for  our  time  and  trouble." 

The  first  of  the  through  cattle  arrived  early  in 
September.  They  avoided  our  range  for  fear  of 
fever,  and  dropped  in  about  fifteen  miles  below  our 
headquarters  on  the  Little  Missouri.  Dorg  Seay 
was  one  of  the  three  foremen,  Forrest  and  Spon- 
silier  being  the  other  two,  having  followed  the  same 
route  as  our  herds  of  the  year  before.  But  having 


370  THE   OUTLET 

spent  a  winter  in  the  North,  we  showed  the  through 
outfits  a  chilling  contempt.  I  had  ribbed  up  Par 
ent  not  even  to  give  them  a  pleasant  word  about 
our  wagon  or  headquarters  ;  and  particularly  if  Bob 
Quirk  came  through  with  one  of  the  purchased 
herds,  he  was  to  be  given  the  marble  heart.  One 
outfit  loose-herded  the  new  cattle,  the  other  two 
going  home,  and  about  the  middle  of  the  month, 
my  brother  and  The  Rebel  came  trailing  in  with 
the  last  two  herds.  I  was  delighted  to  meet  my  old 
bunkie,  and  had  him  remain  over  until  the  last  out 
fit  went  home,  when  we  reluctantly  parted  company. 
Not  so,  however,  with  Bob  Quirk,  who  haughtily 
informed  me  that  he  came  near  slapping  my  cook 
for  his  effrontery.  "  So  you  are  another  one  of 
these  lousy  through  outfits  that  think  we  ought  to 
make  a  fuss  over  you,  are  you  ?  "  I  retorted.  "  Just 
you  wait  until  we  do.  Every  one  of  you  except  old 
Paul  had  the  idea  that  we  ought  to  give  you  a  re 
ception  and  ask  you  to  sleep  in  our  beds.  I  'm  glad 
that  Parent  had  the  gumption  to  give  you  a  mean 
look ;  he  '11  ride  for  me  next  year." 

The  month  of  October  finished  the  shipping. 
There  was  a  magic  in  that  Northern  climate  that 
wrought  wonders  in  an  animal  from  the  South. 
Little  wonder  that  the  buffalo  could  face  the  bliz 
zard,  in  a  country  of  his  own  choosing,  and  in  a 
climate  where  the  frost  king  held  high  revel  five 
months  out  of  the  twelve.  There  was  a  tonic  like 
the  iron  of  wine  in  the  atmosphere,  absorbed  alike 


THE   WINTER   OF   OUR   DISCONTENT    371 

by  man  and  beast,  and  its  possessor  laughed  at  the 
fury  of  the  storm.  Our  loss  of  cattle  during  the 
first  winter,  traceable  to  season,  was  insignificant, 
while  we  sold  out  over  two  hundred  head  more  than 
the  accounts  called  for,  due  to  the  presence  of 
strays,  which  went  to  Buford.  And  when  the  last 
beef  was  shipped,  the  final  delivery  concluded  to 
the  army,  Don  Lovell  was  a  quarter-million  dollars 
to  the  good,  over  and  above  the  contract  price  at 
which  he  failed  to  deliver  the  same  cattle  to  the 
government  the  fall  before. 

As  foreman  of  Lovell's  beef  ranch  on  the  Little 
Missouri  I  spent  five  banner  years  of  my  life.  In 
'89  the  stock,  good-will,  and  range  were  sold  to 
a  cattle  syndicate,  who  installed  a  superintendent 
and  posted  rules  for  the  observance  of  its  em 
ployees.  I  do  not  care  to  say  why,  but  in  a  stran 
ger's  hands  it  never  seemed  quite  the  same  home  to 
a  few  of  us  who  were  present  when  it  was  trans 
formed  into  a  cattle  range.  Late  that  fall,  some 
half-dozen  of  us  who  were  from  Texas  asked  to 
be  relieved  and  returned  to  the  South.  A  traveler 
passing  through  that  country  to-day  will  hear  the 
section  about  the  mouth  of  the  Beaver  called  only 
by  the  syndicate  name,  but  old-timers  will  always 
lovingly  refer  to  it  as  the  Don  Lovell  Ranch. 


Electrotyped  and  printed  by  H.  O.  Houghton  &•  Co. 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  U.S.  A. 


THE 

LOG  OF  A  COWBOY 


By  ANDY  ADAMS 


AN   exciting  account   of  a  typical    five  months' 
trip  over  the  plains,  from  Mexico  to  Montana, 
with  a  "drive"  of  3000  cattle.     It  was  attended  by 
many  thrilling  incidents  and  gives  a  vivid  picture  of 
the  life  of  the  true  cowboy. 

"  As  a  picture  of  cowboy  life  a  quarter  of  a  century 
ago  Andy  Adams's  narrative  is  the  real  thing.  The 
book  is  racy  of  the  soil  and  carries  its  own  certificate 
of  first-hand  knowledge  on  every  page." 

Chicago  Record  Herald. 


Illustrated  by  E.  BOYD  SMITH 

Crown  8vo,  $1.50 


HOUGHTON,  7\3S  BOSTON 

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A 

TEXAS  MATCHMAKER 

By  ANDY  ADAMS 


MR.  Adams's  Log  of  a  Cowboy  dealt  with  cattle 
on  the  trail.     This  book  covers  the  earlier 
stage,  on  the  ranch.     It  gives  a  typical  picture  of  the 
cowboy's  duties,  —  the  round-up,  branding,  and  ship 
ping,  his  hunts,  celebrations,  and  love-affairs. 

"  Andy  Adams  knows  ranch  life  as  an  old  sailor 
knows  a  ship,  and  the  charm  of  his  book  lies  in  its 
merry,  laughing,  outdoor  spirit.  It  is  a  true  and 
vivid  picture  of  ranch  life,  and  is  full  of  fun." 

Chicago  Record-Herald. 


Illustrated  by  E.  BOYD  SMITH 

Crown  8vo,  $1.50 


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/\3&* 

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HEROES  of  the  STORM 

By  WILLIAM  D.  O'CONNOR 


WONDERFULLY    graphic   accounts    of    the 
most  famous  rescues  from  shipwreck  by  the 
crews  of  the  U.  S.  Life-Saving  Service.     O'Connor 
was  a  master  in  writing  of  the  sea  and  its  perils. 

"  That  his  style  was  strong  and  smooth  is  shown  by 
these  descriptions  of  wrecks  which  undoubtedly  are 
correct  in  every  detail.  The  unflagging  zeal  and 
striking  heroism  of  the  life  savers  clearly  is  demon 
strated,  and  a  new  emphasis  is  given  to  the  perils  of 
life  on  the  ocean  wave." 

Boston  Transcript. 


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The 

LAND  ol  LITTLE  RAIN 

By  MARY  AUSTIN 


THIS  is  a  book  of  unique  interest  about  out-door 
life  in  the  arid  region  of  Southeastern  Califor 
nia.  It  describes  the  marvels  of  the  desert,  the  In 
dian,  the  Greaser,  and  the  gold-hunter,  the  strange 
birds  and  beasts  and  flowers  of  that  region,  with 
extraordinary  fidelity. 

"What  John  Muir  has  done  for  the  western  slopes  of 
the  Sierras,  with  their  solemn  forests  and  their  mys 
terious  silences,  Mrs.  Austin  does  in  a  more  tender 
and  intimate  fashion  for  the  eastern  slopes." 

Brooklyn  Eagle. 


With  full-page   and   marginal   illustrations   by 
E.  BOYD  SMITH.    8vo,  $2.00,  net.    Postpaid,  $2.24 


HOUGHTON,  TvSG  BOSTON 

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&  COMPANY          fclO  NEW  YORK 


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